Kohli’s absence will be felt: Mathews
Virat Kohli’s absence will be felt at the Asia Cup, according to Sri Lanka’s captain Angelo Mathews.
Indian selectors have rested their captain Kohli -- now leading the Test team in England -- from the Asia Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 15 to 28. Rohit Sharma has been named to lead the side in his absence, with Shikhar Dhawan named his deputy.
Speaking exclusively to this reporter, Mathews said, “Virat (Kohli) is a fantastic player and number one batsmen in the world. It is obvious that he is the biggest player India got at the moment. His absence will be felt but rest of the (Indian) team is equally good to beat any team any day. So by no means any team can take India lightly.”
On chances of his team, Mathews says, “We still have to play extremely good cricket and be on top of our game to beat all the teams participating”.
Among all six participating teams in the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are India’s biggest rivals.
“No...no...we are “not happy” with Kohli’s absence in the Asia Cup”, Mickey Arthur, the coach of the Pakistan team, speaking exclusively from Pakistan, said.
“Kohli is a fantastic and world class player. Though in his absence, India and Pakistan have 50-50 chance to beat each other on the field of play,” Arthur further added.
“We have already begun preparations for the tournament,” he signed off. .