Indo-Pak clash, Kohli rested but Pakistan won't be complaining

India Pakistan match on a cricket field is one of the most sought-after contests in the world. It is a contest, which people look forward to, often months prior to the clash, such is the rivalry.

It has produced some of the greatest moments in cricket history like Javed Miandad hitting Chetan Sharma for a six on the last ball of the match and Sachin Tendulkar thrashing Shoaib Akhtar during the 2003 world cup in South Africa.

India-Pakistan contest is an occasion where big players come to the fore, it is a perfect setting for anyone who wants to be a hero. In the current Indian team, Virat Kohli is by far the biggest player and it is baffling to see that he has been rested for Asia cup.

Asia cup is an important contest as it is a fight for continental supremacy, more so, because India has to play Pakistan in this tournament. India might end up playing Pakistan two or three times in Asia cup. While playing against arch-rivals, nobody likes to lose and for that, you tend to put your best foot forward.

Kohli is easily India's best player, especially against quality bowling line-up against Pakistan. Resting him from a tournament like Asia cup is mind-boggling, to say the least.

The contest between India and Pakistan in Asia cup was touted as an opportunity for India to take revenge for their defeat in the Champions Trophy final, but for that resting Kohli doesn't augur well.

Also, other teams in the competition are strong. Teams like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are no pushovers. Not fielding your best eleven can cost you against these teams.

Even if we are looking at the next year world cup in England, this decision doesn't make much sense, as he is expected to lead India during that tournament. He could have tried a few combinations against weaker teams like Afghanistan and a qualifier. Alternatively, he could have been rested for these matches during the tournament.

But one point to consider is the back issue which has been troubling Kohli for a while. How clever the decision to rest Virat Kohli will pan out, only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, Pakistan team is not complaining.