Rohit and Virat need a six-month break: Kevin Pietersen

The continuous failure of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has been a significant concern for their respective sides in this year's IPL. The two mainstays of Indian cricket have failed to perform anywhere close to their reputation as they both are currently averaging less than 20 in the seven innings they have batted. 

Citing the reasons that have affected their batting, the former English cricketer Kevin Pietersen has opined that the two Indian legends are the victims of BCCI's packed schedule. In a column with Betway, Pietersen has mentioned that being superstars, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma form the primary source of revenue for BCCI and, therefore, play cricket across formats almost throughout the year. 

The ex-England captain argued that this is not the way to maximise the output of these world-class players. He further stated that a break from cricket worked wonders for Jos Buttler, but in the case of Rohit and Kohli, their lives in a bio-bubble in these difficult times have definitely sucked the gas out of them. 

The 41-year-old also admitted that he feels the workload even as a commentator, so he can imagine the kind of stress these individuals go through being active players. 

"Whereas Jos Buttler benefitted from a break during England's Test series in the West Indies, you've had the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jonny Bairstow playing all formats and living in bubbles for months on end. That is not any way to maximise world-class talent. 

They've churned out money for their boards by fulfilling most matches in every format in the last couple of years and, as star players, they are under constant pressure with millions of people watching them," Pietersen said. 

"The cricket schedule is crazy. Even as a commentator, I'm working flat out. But, clearly, I'm not under the pressure of these guys," he further added. 

Therefore, the former English captain has urged them to take a break from cricket for six months and come back with a fresh mindset. 

Although the solution seems impractical, it would undoubtedly prove to be beneficial for the two legendary Indian batters. 

"Honestly, I think these guys need a six-month break. Getaway to the US, London, and wherever elsewhere, travel is unrestricted. Clear your head, come back and rack up the runs again. It's unrealistic, but it would do some of these guys the world of good," the English legend concluded.