Pull out of IPL 2022: Ravi Shastri’s advice to Virat Kohli

The leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Virat Kohli is going through the roughest patch of his life in the ongoing edition of the tournament. He has contributed only 128 runs in the last nine appearances at an average of 16.

Kohli’s last three innings read as 9, 0, 0 as the bowlers have successfully induced an edge off him and got the wickets off the new ball. In his last appearance against Rajasthan Royals (RR), the management promoted him up the order but only to watch him fail again.

In the past week, the former cricketers and commentators have suggested that Kohli should take a break from the game and return with a fresh mind, with an all-important T20 World Cup scheduled later in the year.

The latest opinion on this matter is added by the former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who believes the break for Kohli is of paramount importance to keep a delicate balance in his mind space.

“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,” Shastri said on Jatin Sapru’s YouTube channel.

Shastri advised the former RCB captain to pull out of the ongoing season if he wants to prolong his international career.

“This year, he is already into the tournament (IPL 2022); 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 IPL, for all you care,” Shastri added.

The former India head coach reckoned that he would give the same advice to the cricketers, who have been playing for the last 14-15 years. He added that the player needs to draw the line and take breaks during the IPL.

“If that is the case, you have played for 14-15 years. Not only Virat, I’ll tell that to 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 when India is not playing and the only time India does not play is the IPL,” Shastri said.

Shastri urged the players to take tough calls by playing half of the season. He thinks this move will aid them in reaching the peak of their international career.

“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,” he added.

“Virat is still young, and he has the best 5-6 years ahead of him. He would have realized what he has gone through in these last few months. He knows he has to go back to the drawing board, how he thinks, how he approaches, and he has to literally start from scratch,” Shastri concluded.