India coach Gary Kirsten has advocated a rotation policy to minimise injuries to players.

"We've got to rest players and we've got to rotate them," Kirsten said ahead of India's opening game against Hong Kong in Asia Cup on Wednesday.

India play back-to-back matches and will take on arch-rivals Pakistan on Thursday in their last Group B tie.

Four-time Asia Cup champions India will be without two of their premier fast bowlers. Both S Sreesanth and Zaheer Khan have been ruled out of the tournament owing to injuries.

"We've got to be careful with the bowlers," the South African said.

"Some of these guys have played a lot of cricket and we need to make sure that they are physically fresh, fit and ready. We certainly cannot expect every bowler to play throughout the year," he added.

Kirsten took over as coach in March and is focused on having a physically and mentally fit squad.

"We need a rotation system in which, if we rest a bowler and his replacement does well, he still remains the No. 1 bowler and gets his place back," he said.

India will rest Irfan Pathan for their campaign opener against Hong Kong. He might also not play in the second game against Pakistan.

"He has got a little bit of stiffness and it's more of a precautionary break," Kirsten said.

"We are not going to push him and will give him a break for the next couple of games so that the side strain heals well," the coach added.