Asia Cup 2018: Virat Kohli slammed by former Indian selector for skipping India-Pakistan clash

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Kohli's priorities are his own decision, and as long as BCCI is fine with it, why are you upset?

I am not upset but it seems I touched some nerves when I said he should have skipped IPL instead. I have already said I have no problem with him taking a break but he should be careful next time and avoid playing in circus cricket.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

So a fit Kohli should have rested in IPL afraid of getting injured? How would he have foreseen an injury?? BRO

He was injured in last IPL and he rested. He was fit this year, hence he played. Understood BRO.

I am sure you will be fine too if he gets injured next year in IPL and skip the world cup also. I know IPL > World Cup for some of you.

 

[Balthazar]

Majority of Indian cricket fans wanted Kohli and couple of other guys to be rested for Asia cup. Just goes to show there's nothing special about Indo-Pak matches. It is just any other match. That is how it should be.

 

[90MPH]

The amount of cricket being played is ridiculous so it’s understandable he wants to skip it.

The fact is times have changed and the majority of top players now have different priorities - they are putting these totally pointless 20-20 cricket leagues like IPL,PSL etc as first pick.

They are then either picking and choosing which International matches/series to play or retiring from the International game early to focus on these leagues specifically. Even the cricket coaches are doing the same when frankly it makes very little difference in such a format.

This is just a new reality that fans have to accept the game has now become commercialised to such an extent that these slogothan leagues will have a sway for many players.

I have been disillusioned with the game for a while now - did enjoy the recent England Test series though.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Let the match begin and see all these members who are saying that nobody cares about indo pak match anymore commenting in the match thread or watching the match live.

 

[hadi123]

Tbh over the home season against the likes of West Indies I don't think his presence will be that important. So he could have skipped those series and played in this Asia Cup instead, where I think he will be missed a bit more, but I do think India still have a chance of winning the Asia Cup as no other team is great

 

[CricketCartoons]

I am not upset but it seems I touched some nerves when I said he should have skipped Pyjama League instead. I have already said I have no problem with him taking a break but he should be careful next time and avoid playing in circus cricket.

laughable that you are using the term pyjama..a term originally coined to describe ODI cricket.

 

[BlackShadow]

I am not upset but it seems I touched some nerves when I said he should have skipped Pyjama League instead. I have already said I have no problem with him taking a break but he should be careful next time and avoid playing in circus cricket.

This is what Bhaag Viru Bhaag would have done.

Bhaag Viru Bhaag is not Kohli.

Kohli's priorities aren't the same as Bhaag Viru Bhaag's.

As a IPL hater, you have every right to not be pleased about it, and I get that. But what Kohli should or should not do isn't for you to decide. What's circus to you is something he is very passionate about, so let's respect that.

 

[Oneking]

Its funny how Pakistanis claim to know about what Indians feel.

Why not refute my points.

Let’s wait for tv ratings to come from India
Duhdh ka dude papni ka pani

 

[cricketjoshila]

Sure 1000 don't but what about 201 million? BTW these figures are from the group match not the final.

https://m.economictimes.com/industr...-and-creates-history/articleshow/59168451.cms

Why dont you read the link a bit more.

From the link you posted:

"In terms of viewership, the India-Pakistan match clocked a whopping 47.45 million impressions (total number of viewers at any time during the broadcast of the match) according to BARC India, the television viewership monitoring agency"

"Incidentally, India versus Sri Lanka match also fared well and clocked 34 million impressions"

Considering the fact that June 4 was a sunday and June 8 a working day the difference in viewership in India isnt that huge.

 

[Srtfan]

Sachin skipped from 2008 & 2010 asia cup.dhoni & raina rested from 2014 asia cup and now kohli.look how much bcci care about Asia cup .

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

This is what Bhaag Viru Bhaag would have done.

Bhaag Viru Bhaag is not Kohli.

Kohli's priorities aren't the same as Bhaag Viru Bhaag's.

As a IPL hater, you have every right to not be pleased about it, and I get that. But what Kohli should or should not do isn't for you to decide. What's circus to you is something he is very passionate about, so let's respect that.

Sir, this thread is not about me. So please stick to the topic. Also its a forum. An article was pasted in the OP and people are free to post their opinions. Don't just downplay them because you are uncomfortable with it. Kohli can take rest but we can also post our views here. May be you are new to social media and forums. People can comment on the content that was posted. Next time don't use childish arguments like Kohli is not Bhaag Viru Bhaag.

 

[PakLFC]

Thats the Pakistani feeling. As you see the Indian captain the board feels otherwise.

Not even the Pak feeling but my own. I guess Kohli just wants to avoid facing Amir

 

[BlackShadow]

Sir, this thread is not about me. So please stick to the topic. Also its a forum. An article was pasted in the OP and people are free to post their opinions. Don't just downplay them because you are uncomfortable with it. Kohli can take rest but we can also post our views here. May be you are new to social media and forums. People can comment on the content that was posted. Next time don't use childish arguments like Kohli is not Bhaag Viru Bhaag.

You have an opinion where you mock and deride everything IPL, fair enough.

But in your posts, you are consistently repeating how Kohli should go about his business as per your opinion. That's what is being called out, rightly so. If you have an opinion, speak for yourself.

To make it easier to understand, I am sure you wouldn't like posters telling what you should or should not post, same logic applies here.

 

[Pete Rose]

Dada, us who grew up in the 90's would know what it meant to us back then. People would skip school/college/office back then when there was an Ind vs Pak match, even bilateral matches. Back then cable TV was not something as common as now in Indian homes. People would flock to electronic stores to watch the match, where the store owners were gracious enough to switch on a TV set and let those people enjoy the match. It was festival time whenever India would an ODI match against Pakistan, even if it were a meaningless bilateral match. Mostly because we weren't a strong team back then.

I didn't watch cricket back in the 80's, maybe you did since you are older than me. But from what I've heard from my elders, things were the same back then as well. Things remained more or less the same even throughout 2000. But those of us who live in India would realize that things changed significantly since the 2011 WC.

What changed post 2011

 

[Pete Rose]

Majority of Indian cricket fans wanted Kohli and couple of other guys to be rested for Asia cup. Just goes to show there's nothing special about Indo-Pak matches. It is just any other match. That is how it should be.

When you say ‘majority’ is this based on some survey?

 

[PakLFC]

15 years ago no cricketer except a legend like Sachin or Imran would have dared/thought about resting during an international match. They wouldn't risk to lose their place to someone else. Now all that has changed. Even a noob like Pandya was rested during Zim series and Nidahas trophy when it was the time for him to learn more by playing more.

I am not against Kohli taking a break but he should take a break from IPL instead then skipping Asia Cup.

There is to much money to be made from the IPL for Kohli to miss it even though he's a wealthy lad as it is. West Indies series at home would be an ideal opportunity to rest him before the Aussie series. India will easily defeat the Windies without him.

 

[Thomaskutty]

Kohli should have played in the Asia cup, an event which I feel should be promoted as a regional mini world cup.

 

[cricketjoshila]

There is to much money to be made from the IPL for Kohli to miss it even though he's a wealthy lad as it is. West Indies series at home would be an ideal opportunity to rest him before the Aussie series. India will easily defeat the Windies without him.

Tendulkar Dhoni Kohli all skipped Asia cup. Its not a priority for Indian players or the Indian board. IPL or home test series are more important.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Kohli was totally justified to request being rested for this inconsequential limited overs tournament. The lad is probably shattered after a long tour of England, and there is an important winter tour coming up. In fact, if I was heading the BCCI, I would have sent the Indian A team and the limited overs specialists like Sharma and Dhoni to the Asia Cup and rested everyone that had played the tests in England.

 

[Balthazar]

When you say ‘majority’ is this based on some survey?

Nobody is making a big deal about Kohli skipping the Asia cup, except for one or two past cricketers. If fans wanted him, we would've seen the trend all over the social media. Even here not many are bothered about, except for one or two Indian fans.

 

[Balthazar]

What changed post 2011

The success of IPL and India becoming number #1 ranked team in all three formats.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

You have an opinion where you mock and deride everything IPL, fair enough.

But in your posts, you are consistently repeating how Kohli should go about his business as per your opinion. That's what is being called out, rightly so. If you have an opinion, speak for yourself.

To make it easier to understand, I am sure you wouldn't like posters telling what you should or should not post, same logic applies here.

Difference is I am giving my opinion about a celebrity/cricketer here not about you or anyone else here. On the other hand you are acting as a representative of Kohli and calling out people. Got it this time?

 

[Mahee]

pakistan will easily win against kohliless India ...they are No.1 team in LOIs

 

[Pete Rose]

Nobody is making a big deal about Kohli skipping the Asia cup, except for one or two past cricketers. If fans wanted him, we would've seen the trend all over the social media. Even here not many are bothered about, except for one or two Indian fans.

I guess it will come down to the quality of cricket and who wins or loses.

 

[Pete Rose]

pakistan will easily win against kohliless India ...they are No.1 team in LOIs

India was beating Pakistan regularly, even when kohli was not a fully established player

 

[Balthazar]

I guess it will come down to the quality of cricket and who wins or loses.

Yes, I am curious to see how this Indian team will respond after CT finals loss.

 

[Pete Rose]

The success of IPL and India becoming number #1 ranked team in all three formats.

I think maybe the ipl could have a role to play. The ranking always changes. Personally I think it’s because for most of the last decade, India has won quite a few more games against Pakistan especially in the big games. Perhaps the one way nature of these contests took some sheen of these competitions. Hopefully if Pakistan improves its ratio things might change.

 

[El Generico]

Why dont you read the link a bit more.

From the link you posted:

"In terms of viewership, the India-Pakistan match clocked a whopping 47.45 million impressions (total number of viewers at any time during the broadcast of the match) according to BARC India, the television viewership monitoring agency"

"Incidentally, India versus Sri Lanka match also fared well and clocked 34 million impressions"

Considering the fact that June 4 was a sunday and June 8 a working day the difference in viewership in India isnt that huge.

I already replied to this on another thread. But in short, the day of the week may have made a differnce but majority clearly doesn't boycott Pakistan matches.

Those who watched on Sunday, would watch on another day as well if they could. Pretty simple logic isn't it?

 

[El Generico]

Yes, I am curious to see how this Indian team will respond after CT finals loss.

Genuine question, if India gets thrashed in 2/3 matches against Pakistan, would there be a backlash against selectors/the team?

Or would people be completely OK with losing to Pakistan 3/4 times in a row?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Genuine question, if India gets thrashed in 2/3 matches against Pakistan, would there be a backlash against selectors/the team?

Or would people be completely OK with losing to Pakistan 3/4 times in a row?

I am disappointed that the match thread on Wednesday will have only 4-5 indians participating in the discussion. Since most of them don't care about Indo Pak matches I am sure they will not watch the match too.

 

[Snowflake]

India was beating Pakistan regularly, even when kohli was not a fully established player

Can you post some stats to verify this claim?

 

[Hasan2K8]

Asia Cup is pointless. He is justifiably rested. Even Bumrah should have been rested.

Says you.

Asia cup is good for cricket. It has much more potential. Could be euros of cricket. It’s pointless to you but it isn’t to ACC, most Ind and subcontinent fans. It’s the region where cricket most passionate fans, most following and Asia cup is a good way to celebrate that.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Since you are just a part time cricket fan who doesn't even know when tournaments start or end I will still explain it to you.

I was talking about the IPL which happened earlier this year where Kohli injured himself. He should have rested knowing upcoming fixtures like England and Asia Cup. If I can't decide when he should take rest then you also have no right to tell us when he should take rest.

You can be skeptical of IPL but its absurd to ask Kohli to skip it.

When have you ever skipped a highly paid job so you can avoid mental fatigue?

 

[Ab Fan]

If the cricket- loving people of India gets so emotionally attached and sentimental with one match of India-Pakistan, then it is them that needs to be learned.

Given the workload Kohli has, he has done a right job of resting from Asia cup. We dont want him to retire at age of 32 only because of excessive workload.

And if India-Pakistan match in Asia cup is the be all and everything, then it is BCCI that should learn not to make such tight schedules. Max 10 tests and 20 ODIs in an year, that should be enough.

 

[PakLFC]

Tendulkar Dhoni Kohli all skipped Asia cup. Its not a priority for Indian players or the Indian board. IPL or home test series are more important.

I find it hard to believe that the easy home series against the West Indies is more important then the Asia Cup.

 

[Pete Rose]

Can you post some stats to verify this claim?

Pakistan vs. India:
Overall = 73W, 52L: W/L Ratio = 1.403
Post Wasim/Waqar (5th March 2003 onwards) = 21W, 22L: W/L Ratio = 0.955
Post Wasim/Waqar Excluding Kohli = 16W, 15L = 1.07

 

[Pete Rose]

I find it hard to believe that the easy home series against the West Indies is more important then the Asia Cup.

Its not about the importance, its that the guy needs a break.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

I find it hard to believe that the easy home series against the West Indies is more important then the Asia Cup.

Every test counts towards the World Test Championship which means more now rather than the meaningless Asia Cup.

But its also true he deserves a rest.

And he wants to rest for a tournament that is useless as they come.

 

[PakLFC]

Its not about the importance, its that the guy needs a break.

He is just afraid of facing our Amir

 

[Pete Rose]

He is just afraid of facing our Amir

Ji, no harm in the fans having bragging rights

 

[kuskash]

I find it hard to believe that the easy home series against the West Indies is more important then the Asia Cup.

Its ODI vs tests. Tests count towards championshiop points. Win or lose in Asia cup does not hold any importance going forward in WC. If Kohli realy wanted to play, do you think anyone would stop him. He just does not consider Asia cup as his priority. Your and his priority and importance about games is different. Its simple.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

You can be skeptical of IPL but its absurd to ask Kohli to skip it.

When have you ever skipped a highly paid job so you can avoid mental fatigue?

You are looking at it as a job and I am looking at it as a sport. Obviously as a sports/cricket fan I would like Kohli to represent India in international matches first.

If he still wants to play 2 months of nonsense cricket at this stage of his career then he won't be able to play more for India. He is one of the fittest cricketer currently but his body and mind will get tired too after 2 years.

 

[PakPremi]

Every test counts towards the World Test Championship which means more now rather than the meaningless Asia Cup.

But its also true he deserves a rest.

And he wants to rest for a tournament that is useless as they come.

Why would a regional international cup with all the best Asian Teams playing be meaningless. Only reason Kohli is skipping is that he has some back issues that need immediate attention.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I find it hard to believe that the easy home series against the West Indies is more important then the Asia Cup.

Kohli has shown he is a traditionalist, all his interviews point towards him strongly believing that tests are the pinnacle of the sport. Fair play to him, there is hope left yet for this sport.

The Asia Cup is a nuisance anyway, too much hassle for little reward. I don't ever remember it being treated as an important event, even during the nineties. It was just another multilateral ODI series and the fans didn't really distinguish it from tournaments that were regularly being played in Asia at the time. The inaugural Asian Test Championship in 1999, which Pakistan won, had way more hype in comparison, for example.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Should have rested in that pointless dead rubber 5th test too if he wanted rest. Scored only 49 in 2 innings and captaincy was poor too. Would have been a good chance for the likes of Nair to showcase their talent plus competiton for Vihari which would have helped India in future more than Kohli playing 5th test.

 

[90MPH]

Every test counts towards the World Test Championship which means more now rather than the meaningless Asia Cup.

But its also true he deserves a rest.

And he wants to rest for a tournament that is useless as they come.

It’s not just a job though, it’s a sport catered to entertaining fans.

If Asia cup is pointless then 20/20 IPL leagues and the like are as fake as they come. It’s all about money and nothing else. But sure it’s a well crafted commercialised product just like WWE.

Now I don’t blame Kohli or even AB for their decisions but that doesn’t mean we as fans just keep quite and accept it.

Its clear as day many new generation fans couldn’t give a toss where the game is heading and neither could a few power hungry boards where nothing but money matters.

But there is more to life then just money and especially when it comes
to sport. And even more so cricket. I don’t want cricket to turn into baseball slogging games where they are forgotten from
the memory the next day.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Its not about the importance, its that the guy needs a break.

India vs Pakistan with Kohli in the lineup:

Wins: 7
Losses: 5

 

[Pete Rose]

India vs Pakistan with Kohli in the lineup:

Wins: 7
Losses: 5

So what: without him (post wasim Waqar) it’s 16 w 15 l.
It’s dangerous to think of this team as all Kohli

 

[Balthazar]

Genuine question, if India gets thrashed in 2/3 matches against Pakistan, would there be a backlash against selectors/the team?

Or would people be completely OK with losing to Pakistan 3/4 times in a row?

People wouldn't be OK if there's a loss against Hong Kong. Because the squad selected should be more than enough to win the tournament. But that doesn't mean it's a high profile tournament when compared to a series against England, who are ranked #1 at the moment.

 

[par]

Why dont you read the link a bit more.

From the link you posted:

"In terms of viewership, the India-Pakistan match clocked a whopping 47.45 million impressions (total number of viewers at any time during the broadcast of the match) according to BARC India, the television viewership monitoring agency"

"Incidentally, India versus Sri Lanka match also fared well and clocked 34 million impressions"

Considering the fact that June 4 was a sunday and June 8 a working day the difference in viewership in India isnt that huge.

Also look at this...

''The final match in the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) clocked 55.6 million impressions on television across urban and rural markets, a 41% jump from last year’s 39.4 million, numbers from Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India show.''

https://www.livemint.com/Sports/fGC...hip-jumps-41-to-556-mn-impressions-on-TV.html

 

[slipcatch]

Indian nationalists don’t care about Pak vs India but spend hell of a time on PP trying to convince Pakistani despite the evidence and facts against their false nationalists views.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

It’s not just a job though, it’s a sport catered to entertaining fans.

If Asia cup is pointless then 20/20 IPL leagues and the like are as fake as they come. It’s all about money and nothing else. But sure it’s a well crafted commercialised product just like WWE.

Now I don’t blame Kohli or even AB for their decisions but that doesn’t mean we as fans just keep quite and accept it.

Its clear as day many new generation fans couldn’t give a toss where the game is heading and neither could a few power hungry boards where nothing but money matters.

But there is more to life then just money and especially when it comes
to sport. And even more so cricket. I don’t want cricket to turn into baseball slogging games where they are forgotten from
the memory the next day.

I sadly agree with you.

Which is why revival of Test Championship is the best thing to happen for a long time.

Sure, we can argue rankings.

But at least there is some incentive to get to the top.

Personally speaking I have NEVER watched a mickey mouse T20 league except the T20 World Cups, be it PSL, IPL, CPL or BPL or whatever.

But that's just me.

You will see the younger generation fawning over such form of cricket and it's sad that Tests which are a true test of character are gradually losing the battle.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

So what: without him (post wasim Waqar) it’s 16 w 15 l.
It’s dangerous to think of this team as all Kohli

Sorry, quoted the wrong person.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I already replied to this on another thread. But in short, the day of the week may have made a differnce but majority clearly doesn't boycott Pakistan matches.

Those who watched on Sunday, would watch on another day as well if they could. Pretty simple logic isn't it?

Clearly the viewers do not think Indo-Pak matches are special.

When the team plays people will watch in India and support the team. The GOI doesnot boycott Pakistan matches in ICC tournaments either.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Also look at this...

''The final match in the eleventh edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) clocked 55.6 million impressions on television across urban and rural markets, a 41% jump from last year’s 39.4 million, numbers from Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India show.''

https://www.livemint.com/Sports/fGC...hip-jumps-41-to-556-mn-impressions-on-TV.html

[MENTION=146990]El Generico[/MENTION]

The IPL final had more impressions than the indo pak match.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I find it hard to believe that the easy home series against the West Indies is more important then the Asia Cup.

Kohli skipped the Asia cup. Didnt he?

 

[cricketjoshila]

Says you.

Asia cup is good for cricket. It has much more potential. Could be euros of cricket. It’s pointless to you but it isn’t to ACC, most Ind and subcontinent fans. It’s the region where cricket most passionate fans, most following and Asia cup is a good way to celebrate that.

Says Bcci.Kohli has skipped this. So has Tendulkar and Dhoni in the past.

 

[unitedkush]

You are looking at it as a job and I am looking at it as a sport. Obviously as a sports/cricket fan I would like Kohli to represent India in international matches first.

If he still wants to play 2 months of nonsense cricket at this stage of his career then he won't be able to play more for India. He is one of the fittest cricketer currently but his body and mind will get tired too after 2 years.

There is way too much money tied up with the name Virat Kohli to skip that 2 month 'nonsense tournament'. This is a bloke who is the face of multi million dollar companies, repercussions of a name like him not playing not only affects the team but business aspect as well. And even though Cricket purists might not like it, it's the money which makes the world go round.

Also, Kohli has played non-stop Cricket for last 4-5 years. It's going to take a toll on anyone's body. His priorities are different, there is a reason why he preferred to skip Afghanistan Test to prepare for England with a County stint. Obviously that didn't materialize because of his shoulder injury.

He's been having back issues for past few years, he himself said it post Lords. He played through the tour because of what was at stake and how crucial he was to us. If he wants to rest/recover for future Cricket program, then why the outcry?

Team management played Bhuvi in final ODI when he was half fit, he was out for the Test series. Played a half fit Ashwin in Nottingham which cost us a shot at victory. You'd be first in line with pitchforks out if they risked Kohli in Asia Cup and he picked up an extended injury.

I find it hard to believe that the easy home series against the West Indies is more important then the Asia Cup.

Little bit of common sense would suggest he's resting because of the schedule and not because of what competition this is. If WI series started now and Asia Cup a month later, Kohli would be playing in Asia Cup and not WI series.

 

[PakLFC]

Its ODI vs tests. Tests count towards championshiop points. Win or lose in Asia cup does not hold any importance going forward in WC. If Kohli realy wanted to play, do you think anyone would stop him. He just does not consider Asia cup as his priority. Your and his priority and importance about games is different. Its simple.

If the Asia Cup is that irrelevant then better not to take part at all. Kohli would have gotten much more time off by ignoring the West Indies series then the few matches in the Asia Cup he would have played. He would have had much more time to blow kisses to his spouse had he missed the home series. I did not say anyone is stopping him rather he has his priorities wrong.

 

[PakLFC]

Kohli has shown he is a traditionalist, all his interviews point towards him strongly believing that tests are the pinnacle of the sport. Fair play to him, there is hope left yet for this sport.

The Asia Cup is a nuisance anyway, too much hassle for little reward. I don't ever remember it being treated as an important event, even during the nineties. It was just another multilateral ODI series and the fans didn't really distinguish it from tournaments that were regularly being played in Asia at the time. The inaugural Asian Test Championship in 1999, which Pakistan won, had way more hype in comparison, for example.

I am no fan of the Asia Cup either however India will walk the home series against the West Indies even without Kohli. Makes more sense the miss that series that would have given him a longer break.

 

[javier]

If the Asia Cup is that irrelevant then better not to take part at all. Kohli would have gotten much more time off by ignoring the West Indies series then the few matches in the Asia Cup he would have played. He would have had much more time to blow kisses to his spouse had he missed the home series. I did not say anyone is stopping him rather he has his priorities wrong.

Maybe he will skip the Windies tour as well who knows but that still doesn't make it obligatory for him to play in Asia Cup.

Asia Cup is boring anyway with no special contests against any team for India so it's better be skipped. Most Indian fans would be ok with it.

 

[PakLFC]

Kohli skipped the Asia cup. Didnt he?

He should have ignored the West Indies giving him a longer break.

 

[PakLFC]

There is way too much money tied up with the name Virat Kohli to skip that 2 month 'nonsense tournament'. This is a bloke who is the face of multi million dollar companies, repercussions of a name like him not playing not only affects the team but business aspect as well. And even though Cricket purists might not like it, it's the money which makes the world go round.

Also, Kohli has played non-stop Cricket for last 4-5 years. It's going to take a toll on anyone's body. His priorities are different, there is a reason why he preferred to skip Afghanistan Test to prepare for England with a County stint. Obviously that didn't materialize because of his shoulder injury.

He's been having back issues for past few years, he himself said it post Lords. He played through the tour because of what was at stake and how crucial he was to us. If he wants to rest/recover for future Cricket program, then why the outcry?

Team management played Bhuvi in final ODI when he was half fit, he was out for the Test series. Played a half fit Ashwin in Nottingham which cost us a shot at victory. You'd be first in line with pitchforks out if they risked Kohli in Asia Cup and he picked up an extended injury.



Little bit of common sense would suggest he's resting because of the schedule and not because of what competition this is. If WI series started now and Asia Cup a month later, Kohli would be playing in Asia Cup and not WI series.

How do you know he would have played a delayed Asia Cup? Your so called logic is based on blind hindsight. He is just afraid of losing to Pakistan it seems not wanting to be part of that team. This is what I honestly think.

 

[Hasan123]

I wasn't aware that some Indian fans don't see Pakistan vs India as a big game. As a Pakistan fan I still see it as the biggest game for us.

 

[kuskash]

If the Asia Cup is that irrelevant then better not to take part at all. Kohli would have gotten much more time off by ignoring the West Indies series then the few matches in the Asia Cup he would have played. He would have had much more time to blow kisses to his spouse had he missed the home series. I did not say anyone is stopping him rather he has his priorities wrong.

Why are you guys begging for Kohli to play? Do not some Pak fans regard him not as a good batsman? Then why worries? Do you think in cruel heat of UAE, his somewhat damaged back could get hurt more? Dude is giving no respect to Asia cup, try to digest it and learn to live with it, its simple. SRT, Dhoni, Raina has opted out of Asia cup in the past. BCCI does not see it as a big deal.

 

[cricketjoshila]

If the Asia Cup is that irrelevant then better not to take part at all. Kohli would have gotten much more time off by ignoring the West Indies series then the few matches in the Asia Cup he would have played. He would have had much more time to blow kisses to his spouse had he missed the home series. I did not say anyone is stopping him rather he has his priorities wrong.

Why should he miss a home series and play in the asia cup?

Asia cup is not a priority for Indian players. Tendulkar skipped a couple of them. Dhoni when he was captain skipped one. Now Kohli has skipped one.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I wasn't aware that some Indian fans don't see Pakistan vs India as a big game. As a Pakistan fan I still see it as the biggest game for us.

It is a big game but not the biggest game. It has lost a lot if its sheen in last 10yrs or so.

 

[cricketjoshila]

He should have ignored the West Indies giving him a longer break.

Thats his and Bcci's decision. They ofcourse regard the WI series to be more important.

 

[Hasan123]

It is a big game but not the biggest game. It has lost a lot if its sheen in last 10yrs or so.

I can understand why people think it's lost it's shine but it's still a big game for me. I thought Indians felt the same but clearly not and the fact Kohli is rested shows BCCI don't take Asia Cup or Pakistan bilateral games that seriously.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I can understand why people think it's lost it's shine but it's still a big game for me. I thought Indians felt the same but clearly not and the fact Kohli is rested shows BCCI don't take Asia Cup or Pakistan bilateral games that seriously.

Big game for me too and big game for those also who are trying so hard to show that they don't care. Are you seriously going to believe those who say an IPL game > Ind vs Pak match?

 

[Hasan123]

Big game for me too and big game for those also who are trying so hard to show that they don't care. Are you seriously going to believe those who say an IPL game > Ind vs Pak match?

Who said IPL game is bigger than Pakistan vs India? That is ultimate delusion and I am someone who watches the IPL!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Who said IPL game is bigger than Pakistan vs India? That is ultimate delusion and I am someone who watches the IPL!!!!!!!!!!

Someone even said that he doesn't care about Ind vs Pak matches but will never ever miss even a pre match discussion on an IPL match.

 

[Hasan123]

Someone even said that he doesn't care about Ind vs Pak matches but will never ever miss even a pre match discussion on an IPL match.

Nonsense. IPL is about the money and just seeing top players play with each other. Will never be bigger than an India vs Pakistan game.

 

[PakLFC]

Why are you guys begging for Kohli to play? Do not some Pak fans regard him not as a good batsman? Then why worries? Do you think in cruel heat of UAE, his somewhat damaged back could get hurt more? Dude is giving no respect to Asia cup, try to digest it and learn to live with it, its simple. SRT, Dhoni, Raina has opted out of Asia cup in the past. BCCI does not see it as a big deal.

Coz I want Pak to defeat India with Kohli in the side otherwise you have a ready made excuse after you lose. His damaged back seemed fine against England recently so he must have developed it overnight when changing sides in bed!! If you win I'll tell you we were without Rahat Al!!

 

[PakLFC]

Why should he miss a home series and play in the asia cup?

Asia cup is not a priority for Indian players. Tendulkar skipped a couple of them. Dhoni when he was captain skipped one. Now Kohli has skipped one.

Coz the home series against the Windies will give him a longer rest that will benefit him more. After losing to Pak in two days you guys will make an excuse that Kohli wasn't playing.

 

[kuskash]

Coz I want Pak to defeat India with Kohli in the side otherwise you have a ready made excuse after you lose. His damaged back seemed fine against England recently so he must have developed it overnight when changing sides in bed!! If you win I'll tell you we were without Rahat Al!!

Fair comparison. Kohli Vs Rahat Ali. No issues with it. You have all the right to say so.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Coz I want Pak to defeat India with Kohli in the side otherwise you have a ready made excuse after you lose. His damaged back seemed fine against England recently so he must have developed it overnight when changing sides in bed!! If you win I'll tell you we were without Rahat Al!!

You should drop Babar and Hassan to balance it out.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Coz the home series against the Windies will give him a longer rest that will benefit him more. After losing to Pak in two days you guys will make an excuse that Kohli wasn't playing.

He won't give an excuse because he doesn't care about Ind vs Pak matches and will not watch it. Discuss it with someone who is going to watch it.

 

[PakLFC]

He won't give an excuse because he doesn't care about Ind vs Pak matches and will not watch it. Discuss it with someone who is going to watch it.

How do you know Kohli won't be watching it?? He is just terrified of facing Amir! Oh I see the whole of India cares about this match but not Kohli!!