Humid UAE weather not easy for England returning guys to handle, says Rohit Sharma

India had last played in Dubai 12 years back in 2006 and it seemed that the BCCI didn’t much take into account the problems the players returning from the England tour would face in the unpleasant Saudi Arab.

Rohit Sharma, who was representing India A back then, however stated the concern. Citing the hot and humid weather of UAE Rohit stated how the weather could be an issue for his teammates returning from the England Test series and who will need some rest, before they join us in the Asia Cup.

“I am very happy to be back here. I didn’t actually realise that we haven’t played here for the past 12 years,” said Rohit, reported PTI.

“It’s not pleasant for sure. For the guys who were in England, it was a hectic tour and it is only fair that they go home and spend some time with their families and then come here. It is not easy but then weather is going to be same for all the teams. So we have to just focus on playing good cricket,” he added.

Sharma has also been of the opinion that winning the Asia Cup would help get the perfect combinations ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Currently, his focus is going to be on the Asia Cup, as the Indian team would be starting their campaign against Hong Kong on September 18 and against Pakistan the very next day.

India are still looking to perfect their middle order that has a number of experienced and talented batsmen who can take the responsibility in the firing line with their top-order rightly settled in the form of Shikhar Dhawan, Sharma, and Kohli. And Sharma, who is substituting Indian skipper Kohli for this tournament, has stated that every team would use this tournament to get equations right. 

“In a way, you can say that. Every team wants to go to the World Cup in a good frame of mind. But we shouldn’t be looking too far ahead. Obviously, the Asia Cup gives every team an opportunity to get the combination right before the World Cup,” Rohit told PTI.

“I won’t understand how Angie (Angelo Mathews), Sarfraz (Ahmed) or Mashrafe (Mortaza) are looking at it and what their strengths and weaknesses are. But as the tournament progresses, we will understand what teams are doing.

“The World Cup is too far ahead. We will play a lot of games before that. A lot of players will get an opportunity to stake claim for a berth in that World Cup squad. It’s a great opportunity to try for that perfect combination,” added Rohit.

India's match against Pakistan would definitely be the biggest match of the tournament and although Rohit has stated it as the important one, he was quick to add that they would still have to focus on rest of the matches, as every team is going to present competition in this tournament.

“Pakistan have played some great cricket of late and we are looking forward to that clash. However, by no means I am saying that focus should be on one game as all the games that are going to be played over here will be quite competitive,” he said.

“The focus should be on the whole tournament because every nation is eyeing that title. Also for the first time, I am captaining in a full tournament and it’s exciting for me personally,” Rohit added.