Asia Cup 2018: 3 Indian players who can be rested for Bangladesh game

After a nervous start to their Asia Cup 2018 campaign against Hong Kong, Rohit Sharma's India displayed their true class against the arch-rivals Pakistan. With two wins in two games, they are all set to face Bangladesh in their first clash of Super Four.

The opponents, Bangladesh are, however, a bit down on morale. They were outclassed in all departments by Afghanistan and will face India the very next day after a humiliating defeat. The schedule of the current edition of Asia Cup is something deemed as incomprehensible by many.

While Bangladesh gets no rest and are travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, India got just a day's rest after two matches in two days. They will get a rest day after the match against Bangladesh and will then have to face the other two seemingly tougher sides - Pakistan and Afghanistan, in three days' time. Such an arduous schedule in the scorching heat of Dubai is excruciating, and hence India can opt to rest some players before the two big games. Let us have a look at three such players who can be rested for this match:

#3 Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik has done well in the first two games

A few months ago, Dinesh Karthik was nowhere near the selectors' plans for the ICC World Cup 2019. But with his immaculate consistency, he is now an important member of the side. He scored 33 runs in the first game while made a crucial contribution of an unbeaten 31 against Pakistan, which makes it nearly impossible for Rohit Sharma to get him out of the preferred playing XI.

However, Karthik was a member of the Indian side that toured England and since this year's IPL, he has constantly been in action. Henceforth, the team management might opt to give Karthik some rest and try out other options. The star of IPL 2018, KL Rahul had a below average England series but in sub-continental conditions, he can prove to be lethal and should be tried against Bangladesh.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan

Dhawan has been India's best batsman in the Asia Cup 2018 thus far

Shikhar Dhawan could not showcase even one-third of his ability in England and hence was on the receiving end of harsh criticism. However, the 2018 Asia Cup has witnessed a rejuvenated and dangerous Dhawan thus far. With 127 in the first game and 46 in the second, Dhawan is India's standout performer in the tournament so far.

While Karthik was a part of the squad that toured England, Dhawan was a regular name in the playing XI. Having got no considerable amount of rest to speak of, Ravi Shastri & Co. might drop Dhawan for the game against the Tigers. Manish Pandey, who guided his India B team to glory in the recently concluded quadrangular series, should be the perfect replacement for Dhawan.

#1 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Kumar regained his usual rhythm in the match against Pakistan

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is currently India's one of the most trusted pacers. Injury prevented him from playing some important games in the series against England and his absence was felt throughout the tour. Kumar made his comeback in the match against Hong Kong but failed to get any success to show for.

But the match against Pakistan found 'Bhuvi' in his usual best as he picked up 3 wickets by conceding just 15 runs at an economy rate of around 2 runs per over. Given that he has just made a comeback from a major injury, it wouldn't be wise enough to overwork him. He can be rested for the game against Bangladesh and India can field in an exciting prospect in K Khaleel Ahmed. The left-arm pacer, who is right up there in the list of World Cup probables, took 3 crucial wickets in his debut against Hong Kong. Had it not been for the breakthroughs he provided, Hong Kong might have pulled off the biggest upset of the 21st century.