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India's two current batting greats, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are going through a tough phase at the moment. Both the batters have failed to live up to the expectations while playing in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). While Virat Kohli is averaging around 20, Rohit has managed to aggregate around 17 runs in every game for Mumbai Indians.

With two of the pillars of the Indian batting lineup struggling big time, experts have expressed their worries in the larger interest of team India. Although a few former cricketers have talked about the slump in form for both players, a larger section of the cricketing community is more worried about Virat Kohli's form. Former India coach Ravi Shastri also expressed his concerns for Kohli and suggested the former India captain to take a break from the game.

“Virat Kohli is overcooked. If anyone needs a break, it's him. Whether it's 2 months or a month-and-a-half, whether it's after England or before England. He needs a break because he has got 6-7 years of cricket left in him and you don’t want to lose that with a fried brain," Shastri had said a few days ago.

Now, former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden has raised a question for Shastri. The Aussie has asked Shastri about the latter's take on Rohit Sharma's form and what advice he would give to the current India captain. While commentating during the RCB vs SRH game on Sunday (8 May), Hayden responded to Harsha Bhogle talking about Shastri advising Kohli to take a break. 

“Does he say the same about Rohit Sharma? I mean these guys are playing cricket all the time, of course, these tournaments, come around so quickly, you get yourself into a mental space and Kohli has been brilliant at it for so many years, so animated, so passionate. To come off that though just for a moment and you are under pressure,” said Hayden while on-air.

Loved his intent: Shastri on Rohit Sharma

Although Shastri did not directly reply to Hayden, he did talk about Rohit Sharma’s form. Shastri praised Sharma for his intent in the game against Gujarat Titans and hoped for him to score big sooner. “What I liked about Rohit in the last game was that his attitude and intent were brilliant from the start. It feels like he’s making 30s, 35s, and 40s, now it’s time to convert [the starts],” Shastri told in a conversation with ESPNcricinfo.