Former Indian captain and batting maestro, Virat Kohli and his lean patch has become one of the most-talked-about topics in the cricket fraternity. The Delhi-born batsman is currently on a break from cricket. He was recently seen enjoying some quality time with his wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in London and Paris.
Manjrekar Feels Virat Kohli Shouldn’t Have Taken The Rest
Virat was left out of India’s squad for the ongoing West Indies tour and he isn’t included in the Indian squad for the upcoming three ODIs against Zimbabwe either. Virat will return directly for the Asia Cup later this month.
Virat Kohli, who has been going through a lean patch in the international arena, had a forgetful tour of the United Kingdom (UK). Virat failed to score a single fifty against the hosts England. After enduring a disastrous run against England, the former Indian captain was rested for the limited overs series between India and the West Indies.
Citing the example of senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has explained why the Indian cricket team should have played former explained why Team India should have played former captain Virat Kohli in every international game possible. He said:
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar recently gave an interview, and he is at his peak at the moment. Eighteen months back, we thought he may not have an international career. But, he has bounced back superbly and is a certainty to make the T20 world cup squad. And he said, the more I bowl, the more I got my rhythm,”
He added: “I think they should have played Virat Kohli in every International match possible, whatever the format because Virat has had his breaks. People are advocating that he should take some breaks and he’s had his breaks,”
Sanjay Manjrekar Slammed BCCI’s Decision
Besides Virat Kohli, senior players Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah for the One Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies. However, regular captain Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant returned to the national side for the T20I against the hosts. Speaking more about Virat Kohli and his form, Manjrekar said:
“If you look at the last two years, he’s not played a lot of International cricket. Maybe there’s some logic there that we don’t know about. Maybe they had a chat with Virat Kohli, but my personal view is the more Virat Kohli would’ve played and especially these matches would’ve been better for him and Bhuvneshwar Kumar clearly has said like it is with a lot of players when you’re going through a rut, the best way to come out of the rut is by playing. So, hopefully, that will happen soon,”
