Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he will take an indefinite break from the limited-overs formats of the game.
This means that he will not be available for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against South Africa, which is scheduled to start from December 17. The news has shocked many fans and experts, who are wondering what could be the possible reasons behind Kohli’s decision.
While Kohli has not officially announced his reasons for taking a break, there is some speculation based on his recent performances, statements and personal life.
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Here are some of the probable reasons why Kohli might have opted for a hiatus from white-ball cricket:
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To focus on his Test career: Kohli has always expressed his passion and love for the longest format of the game, which he considers to be the ultimate test of a cricketer’s skill and temperament. He has also stated that he wants to play Test cricket for as long as possible, and achieve many milestones in the format. However, in the recent past, Kohli has faced some challenges in his Test career, such as losing the World Test Championship final to New Zealand, losing the captaincy to Rohit Sharma, and struggling with his form and fitness. Therefore, he might have decided to take a break from the limited-overs formats to focus on his Test career, and prepare himself for the upcoming challenges, such as the tour of South Africa, where India have yet to win a Test series, and England’s tour of India.
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To spend more time with his family: Kohli is a family man, who loves his wife Anushka Sharma and his daughter Vamika, who was born in January 2021. He has often spoken about the importance of balancing his professional and personal life, and how he cherishes the moments he spends with his loved ones. However, being an international cricketer, Kohli has to travel a lot, and stay away from his family for long periods of time. This can take a toll on his mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, he might have decided to take a break from the limited-overs formats to spend more time with his family, and enjoy the joys of fatherhood.
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To rejuvenate himself mentally and physically: Kohli is a fitness freak, who follows a strict diet and workout regime, and maintains a high level of intensity and energy on the field. He is also a fierce competitor, who always gives his best, and expects the same from his teammates. However, this can also lead to burnout and fatigue, both mentally and physically, especially after playing non-stop cricket for such a long time. Kohli has admitted that he has felt exhausted and drained at times, and has needed some time off to refresh himself. Therefore, he might have decided to take a break from the limited-overs formats to rejuvenate himself mentally and physically, and regain his passion and motivation for the game.
Kohli is a legend of the game, and we hope that he will come back stronger and better, and continue to entertain us with his brilliant batting.
Whatever the reason may be, Kohli’s decision to take a break from ODIs has left a big impact on Indian cricket, and has opened up new opportunities and challenges for the team. It will be interesting to see how India performs in the ODI series against South Africa, and how Kohli returns to the game after his break.
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