Asia Cup 2022: Ravi Shastri backs Kohli’s break – Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has put his weight behind Virat Kohli as he returns to the team ahead of India vs Pakistan clash. Struggling for form, Kohli opted for a month-long break, missing games against West Indies and Zimbabwe which invited criticism on the former Indian captain. However, Shastri who was the head coach while Kohli led the side believes that Kohli can execute his plans with a calmer mind in the UAE. Follow Asia Cup 2022 LIVE updates on Insidesport.IN
Asia Cup: Ravi Shastri defends Virat Kohli’s break despite struggling for runs, says, ‘now it is time for him to execute his plans with a calmer mind’
In a media interaction with Wasim Akram for Star Sports, Ravi Shastri has backed Kohli’s decision to take a break amid his struggle for runs in international cricket. It has been more than 1000 days since the former India captain scored a century and his struggles were there to see during India’s tour of England.
Shastri a long-time India international and head coach said that even the best need a break and there is no player who hasn’t gone through a bad phase. He said, “Big players wake up. They need a break. Mental fatigue can creep into best in the world. There is not a single player in world cricket who has not gone through a bad phase in cricket.”
Ravi Shastri added that Kohli would have reflected on his batting and his game plan heading into the Asia Cup. With the India vs Pakistan clash to start things off, the ex-Indian coach added that a 50 in the first game would put off his detractors.
Shastri added, “I am sure this time was not for the body, he would have reflected on things he could have done better. What things he did right and focus on that. All these things come into play. You get an opportunity to decide what is the best course of action when you get into the park – be it shot selection or how you plan. It is when to shift gears in T20 cricket. Should I give myself more time or not. Now, it is time to execute the plans with a calmer mind. Now what you do is going to set the tone. He gets a 50 in first game, mouths will be shut.”
Asia Cup: Ravi Shastri defends Virat Kohli’s break despite struggling for runs, says, ‘now it is time for him to execute his plans with a calmer mind’
Virat Kohli has previously spoken about his mental health and how spending time with his wife Anushka Sharma and their daughter Vamika helps him unwind. The 33-year-old, who gave away all forms of captaincy in the last 9 months, said that he at times felt ‘alone’ despite being in a room full of people who love and support him.
Speaking to Indian Express, Kohli said, “For an athlete, the sport can bring the best out of you as a player but at the same time, the amount of pressure that you are constantly under, can affect your mental health negatively. It is definitely a serious issue and as much as we try to be strong at all times, it can tear you apart.”
“I personally have experienced times when even in a room full of people who support and love me, I felt alone, and I am sure that this is a feeling that a lot of people can relate to. So, take out time for yourself and reconnect with your core self,” he added.
Asia Cup: Ravi Shastri defends Virat Kohli’s break despite struggling for runs, says, ‘now it is time for him to execute his plans with a calmer mind’
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