Rohit, Shikhar will show up at Asia Cup: Lee
MUMBAI: Former Australian speedster Brett Lee has backed Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan to come good in the upcoming Asia Cup saying the two will hold key to India’s gameplan in absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli.
With Kohli being rested following the England tour, Rohit will lead the team in Asia Cup. India begin their campaign on September 18 against Hong Kong. Dhawan has been named vicecaptain for the ODI tournament.
“Two key batsmen for India in the Asia Cup - Shikhar Dhawan and secondly Rohit Sharma. I believe Rohit will get the best out of himself and also the team because he has been given that extra bit of responsibility to lead the side,” Lee was quoted as saying in a statement issued by official broadcasters Star Sports.
“With Virat Kohli not playing, Rohit and Dhawan will be the two key men with the bat for India,” he said.
Lee, a veteran of 76 Tests and 221 ODIs, feels Rohit will be able to deliver in the United Arab Emirates as the wickets will aid his batting.
“The great Virat Kohli is being rested for the tournament, so that allows Shikhar and Rohit to be pushed up. There is a lot of talk about how Rohit can’t face left arm fast bowlers - with the swing and the ball going across him,” said the 41-year-old.
“I don’t necessary agree with that but what I can say is that in the UAE it will be a different style he will have to face.
“Yes, they will bring on the left-arm fast bowlers to target Rohit but I believe on the lower and slower wickets in UAE, Rohit will dominate,” he said.