Virat Kohli, one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era, has been absent from domestic cricket for a significant period of time. The last time Kohli played a domestic List A game was in February 2010, almost 14 years ago. This is a surprising fact considering the importance of domestic cricket in the development and maintenance of a cricketer’s skills.
Kohli’s absence from domestic cricket can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, as a senior member of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli has a busy international schedule. The Indian cricket team plays a lot of cricket throughout the year, and Virat Kohli is an integral part of the team. This leaves him with little time to participate in domestic cricket.
Secondly, Virat Kohli is a top-ranked batsman in international cricket. He is the number one ranked batsman in ODIs and is among the top five in Tests. This high ranking comes with a lot of responsibilities and expectations. Kohli is expected to perform consistently at the highest level, and this requires a lot of focus and preparation. Playing domestic cricket might distract him from his international duties.
Thirdly, Virat Kohli has been captaining the Indian cricket team for several years now. Captaining a team is a demanding job that requires a lot of time and energy. Virat Kohli has to manage the team, make strategic decisions, and lead by example. This leaves him with little time to focus on his own game and participate in domestic cricket.
However, Kohli’s absence from domestic cricket has its disadvantages. Domestic cricket provides a platform for players to hone their skills, experiment with new techniques, and regain form. It also provides an opportunity for players to prove their fitness and form to the selectors. Kohli’s absence from domestic cricket might have deprived him of these opportunities.
Moreover, playing domestic cricket would have allowed Kohli to share his experience and knowledge with the younger players. Domestic cricket is a breeding ground for future stars, and Kohli’s presence would have been beneficial for the development of these players.