‘Kohli saving his energy for the final’ – Fans react to Virat Kohli being rested for Asia Cup 2023 game against Bangladesh

The Indian cricket wore a relaxed look as they got down to the ground on Friday. It was the final game of the 2023 Asia Cup – Super Four stage. Bangladesh were the first team to be eliminated from the tournament after their losses to Pakistan and Sri Lanka. India meanwhile was gearing up for the final against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bowl first on a hot and humid day in Colombo. the Indian team made five changes to the team. Bangladesh already had lost their former skipper Mushfiqur Rahim. The veteran was flying back home to be with his family to welcome the birth of his 2^nd child.

Tilak Varma makes his ODI debut for India 

Rohit Sharma mentioned at the toss that the team had made five changes to the playing XI. It was already known that Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj and Hardik Pandya were to be rested. The Indian team management though surprised the fans with Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav being rested.

Surya Kumar Yadav came into the team to bat at number three in place of Virat Kohli. Tilak Varma made his ODI debut as he came in for Hardik Pandya. Shardul Thakur was back after missing the Sri Lanka game in place of Kuldeep Yadav. Mohammad Shami and Prasidh Krishna came in for Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.

Bangladesh also made a few changes to their team. Tanzim Hasan Shakib was making his ODI debut. The misfiring opener Mohammad Naim was replaced while Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam were rested. Mustafizur Rahman was back along with Mehedi Hasan for the Bangladeshi side.

The tournament has been a disappointing ride for Shakib Al Hasan and his men. Bangladesh began with a loss to Sri Lanka before beating Afghanistan in group phase matches. Bangladesh was the only team left to win any game in the Super Four stages and hence suffered an early exit.

India had a great chance to test their bench ahead of the busy schedule ahead. India after playing the Asia Cup final will play a short series at home against Australia. The focus will then shift to the 2023 ODI World Cup which is being hosted by India in a few weeks.

Here’s how the fans reacted: 

https://twitter.com/Den__gue/status/1702610109191655760

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