'Kohli still has a lot of cricket left in him,' says Ravi Shastri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri feels that ex-Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli is ‘overcooked’ and requires a break. 

India’s premier batter, Virat, has been put under the pump from all corners. His lean patch in the international circuit has seeped into the IPL. In seven matches, Virat has managed to amass 119 runs only at a disappointing average of 19.83

On 19th April 2022, RCB squared off against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Though the Faf du Plessis-led side defeated LSG, Virat walked back to the pavilion on a golden duck. RCB’s No.3 guided a ball outside the off stump from Dushmantha Chammera into the bucket hands of Deepak Hooda stationed at point. 

Ravi Shastri, who shares a great camaraderie with Virat, feels that the bio-bubble fatigue is getting on the latter’s nerves. As part of the commentary panel in the IPL, Shastri commented on the challenges of living amidst restrictions in the bio-bubble.

“When I was coach at the time when this (bio-bubble) first started, the first thing I said was ‘, you have to show empathy to the guys.”

Emphasising the need for empathy in the bio-bubble life, Shastri told Star Sports, “ If you’re going to be forceful, there is a very thin line there, from a guy losing the plot as opposed to him hanging in there and giving his best. So you have to be extremely careful.” 

The former Indian all-rounder opined that Virat needs a significant break before or after the England tour (scheduled in June-July). By being away from the game and from the Covid-19 imposed restrictions, Virat can find back his golden touch.

According to Shastri, Virat’s career is far from over. With 70 international centuries to his name, he still has the capacity to continue for 6-7 years.

“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.”

Virat has not been in his usual self for quite an extended period. His last international ton came in November 2019. In the ongoing IPl, RCB has managed to secure five wins out of seven games. But the top order woes still continue to haunt them.