Virat Kohli will go on a one-month break from international cricket after the 3rd ODI of the series against England on Sunday (July 17). The former India captain hasn’t been named in the squads for the ODI and T20I series against West Indies. While many regular players will return for the T20I series, Kohli has been given an extended rest along with Jasprit Bumrah.
The star batter wants to refresh himself during his time away from the game. And will hope to return to form when he makes his comeback during Asia Cup 2022 next month. As per a report, Kohli will stay back in London and will move to an undisclosed location during his time away from the game.
As per Insidesport.in, Kohli will be joined by his mother and extended family during the break. The report adds that he will completely avoid cricket during this time and will kick off the preparations for Asia Cup 2022 from August 1. Kohli is in England with his wife and daughter.
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Can Kohli do a Pandya-like return?
While some call it a mental block and some term it as an inevitable phase of a sportsperson’s life, what Kohli is going through isn’t new. Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid and every other cricketer have gone through. But like Hardik Pandya regained his form and fitness, going away from all the noise after his disastrous show at the T20 World Cup and injury, it could be a blessing for Kohli.
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Replacements for Number 3 lined up
While the run machine takes rest there are many waiting to fill his shoes at Number 3, especially in T20Is. First is Shreyas Iyer who shone in Kohli’s absence in February. He scored 3 back-to-back half-centuries against Sri Lanka. Second in the line is Deepak Hooda who has also done well in the handful of opportunities and scored a century against Ireland.
However, Kohli has taken several breaks from international cricket in his years-long career but this one is an important one for him. The run drought this time has been sustained for some time now. Kohli has to return to form to keep his spot in the national side intact.
