‘It will be wise of him to take a break’: Ravi Shastri on Virat Kohli’s lack of form

Virat Kohli has been the most prolific run-scorer for India in the modern era of cricket. He has displayed unreal consistency and scored volumes of runs in all formats of the game over the years. But in the last couple of years, Kohli has been going through a rut as he is finding it hard to score runs with the same consistency and persistency.

He has lacked form in all formats of the game and his last century in professional cricket came way back in November 2019. Fans and experts have expressed concern over the form of the ‘Run Machine’. The latest person to have spoken about the star batters’ lack of form is the former Indian Head Coach, Ravi Shastri. Shastri has suggested that Kohli needs to take a break from the game to sustain his career 6-7 years longer.

In Shastri’s opinion, the break would be ideal as it would refresh Kohli and he could come back stronger. Notably, the star Indian batter is having a terrible in the 15th edition of the Indian T20 League. He has scored 128 runs in the tournament so far averaging just 16.

While speaking on Jatin Sapru’s YouTube channel, Shastri said – “I think a break is ideal for him because he has played non-stop cricket and he has captained the side across all formats. It will be wise of him to take a break. You know, sometimes you have to draw the balance. This year he is already into the tournament, tomorrow if push comes to shove and you want to prolong your international career and make a mark there for 6-7 years, pull out of the ITL, for all you care.”

Shastri also added that this would be his suggestion not only for Kohli but also for any player who is going through a rut. He feels that it is better to take a break and come back fresh and stronger.

“If that is the case, you have played for 14-15 years. Not only Virat, I’ll tell that any other player. If you want to play and do well for India, you have to draw the line where you want to take that break and the ideal break would be off-season where India is not playing and the only time India does not play is the ITL. Sometimes, you need to do that or tell the franchise I’ll only play the half. Pay me half, as simple as that. Those tough calls need to come if you want to reach the zenith of your profession as an international player.”- Shastri added.