"Virat Kohli is overcooked; don't want to lose 6-7 years of cricket with fried brain" - Ravi Shastri on Kohli's struggles in IPL 2022
Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli has undergone a lean patch in the IPL 2022 season so far. Although RCB are doing well as a team, Kohli has averaged below 20 with the bat this season.
In seven games, the 33-year-old has scored just 119 runs without a single half-century to his name. His golden duck against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and his reaction to the same was a huge indication that he might desperately need a break.
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Speaking to Star Sports, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri stated that it was important for Virat Kohli to take some time away from the game. He said:
"I am going straight to the main guy here. Virat Kohli is overcooked. If anyone needs a break, it's him. Whether it's two months or a month-and-a-half, whether it's after England or before England."
Shastri still believes there is a lot of cricket left in Kohli and that he will need to be managed well to maximize his potential. He added:
"He needs a break because he has got 6-7 years of cricket left in him and you don't want to lose that with a fried brain. He is not the only one. There might be one or two in world cricket going through the same. You need to address the problem upfront."
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Kevin Pietersen advises Virat Kohli to take a six-month break
Former England star Kevin Pietersen also agreed with what Shastri had to say and believes Kohli is one of India's most valuable players and should take a break. The 41-year-old added that the RCB batsman should be given assurances that he will be placed straight back into the team once he returns. Pietersen stated:
"Virat Kohli needs to say 'cricket boots, for six months, I will see you later'. Turn off social media, go and get re-energised. When the stadiums are full again, you guarantee him a spot in that side for the next 12, 24 or 36 months. Tell him 'you're our guy, we know you'll deliver for us'."
Kohli is likely to play a crucial role for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup. With the showpiece event still some time away, perhaps the 33-year-old can afford to take a break post the IPL 2022 season.