We are mere days away from the start of the Asia Cup. The excitement level amongst the fans is at an all time high as they are waiting to watch some of the biggest players in Asia battle it out for the most prestigious continental title. India walk into the tournament on the back of two title wins in 2016 and 2018. MS Dhoni was the captain when India won the title In 2016, while Rohit Sharma was the skipper two years later. Both the occasions, Bangladesh was the country which ended up as the runners up. This year just like 2016, the tournament will be played in the T20 format. The very first game will see Sri Lanka take on Afghanistan on Saturday, while the blockbuster India vs Pakistan game takes place on Sunday. 

Ravi Shastri names the two key players for India - 

Speaking in a media conference for Star Sports India, the former Indian coach made some telling statements. Shastri said that, India need to take care of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. He named the two players as an important part of the world cup which is to be played this year in Australia in 2 months time. Shastri said "He is one of the most important cogs in India's wheel. You take him out, the balance goes awry. We missed him last year at the World Cup where he could not bowl. No one is close to the quality that he possess. He has to be watched very closely. With the games coming up (before the T20 World cup), Bumrah and Hardik need to be observed very carefully to ensure there is no breakdown. They are your two important players."

Huge chance for some under pressure stars - 

Virat Kohli will be making a comeback after missing the west indies tour. The former India captain will be looking to snap out of the bad form with the bat. Even Rohit Sharma has been inconsistent with the bat and will want to make a huge score for India. Then there is the KL Rahul question as he has just made a comeback to the Indian side. Rahul was the captain of the side which won in Zimbabwe with a 3-0 margin. Rahul scored 1 and 30 in the two games hr got to bat. His rusty form with the bat has left fans worrirdy about the form of the Indian top order with the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup around the corner