Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris reckons Virat Kohli might score a cheap hundred in Zimbabwe but that won’t change things. India is currently taking on the West Indies in the limited-overs series and they will lock horns against a bleak Zimbabwean team in three-match ODI series.
Kohli is currently rested for the West Indies tour and Styris feels it will make sense if the talisman is also rested for the Zimbabwe series. Styris believes Kohli’s confidence will be boosted if he gets the runs against Zimbabwe but it won’t help him in the long run.
The New Zealander added that India would want a 100% fit Virat Kohli for the T20 World Cup as he can make a lot of difference if he returns back to form. Kohli has been struggling to be consistent in the recent past and he will be determined to turn a corner when he returns back from his break.
“I think it is a lose-lose for Kohli. I’d love to see him take a complete break from the game for a little while and come back. Ask the question as selectors and coach Rahul Dravid, I think he’s got a big part to plan as to how much preparation time you need to be at a hundred percent when the world cup starts and then work backward from there and then build that schedule. So yeah, Zimbabwe, I’d forget about it because I don’t necessarily think there’s a lot to gain from him. He might score a cheap hundred, which goes great for the confidence but doesn’t necessarily change too much moving forward because I still believe he’s the key man for India,” Styris said on Sports18’s show
Styris believes it is important for a particular player to have a conversation with the selectors regarding their plans for building the team for the future.
“Firstly, I loved hearing what a selector goes through in the process that they don’t just simply pick a team or pick the best players. There’s a real methodology around how they go about putting a team together. I can tell you there are plenty of times I wish I could have a conversation with our selectors back here in New Zealand about certain things. So, I loved hearing that, but I’m with you a hundred percent,” he added.
Kohli will look to make a roaring comeback and get out of the rut as soon as possible. The right-hander has all the experience under his belt and it is a matter of time before he will return back to his best.
