Picture Credit: BCCI
The leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, Virat Kohli has failed to live up to the expectations of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Indian cricket fans as well this year. In IPL 2022, Kohli has garnered only 128 runs at an average of 16.
His last 3 innings read 9,0, and 0, which depicts the struggle Kohli is facing with the new ball, and the unfortunate dismissals have not helped his cause as well.
According to reports, Kohli is likely to be given a rest during South Africa and the Ireland series in June.
The selector has reckoned that they are mulling on giving rest to the senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami. The rest is also of paramount importance due to the tour being scheduled after 12 days of the IPL 2022 Final.
“See, it’s not the first time that a player has gone through a rough patch. It’s only natural. We were anyway looking to give chances to some young bunch and rest the senior players. Virat will be given rest. But if he [Kohli] wants to play, then we will see. We will speak to him before the team selection meeting,” a member of the selection committee told InsideSport.
The selector added that they have not held a discussion with Kohli on this matter and supported the decision to give the break to the former Indian captain. He hinted at the return of Kohli in the England series in July, where the Indian team is scheduled to play an o one-off Test match and 5-match T20I series.
“No, we haven’t discussed anything with Virat yet. It’s too premature. He needs the space and time to process the lean patch. Let the IPL get over, we will speak to him about a break if he wants. But in all likelihood, he will play only in the England series, but it will depend on what he wants. We should give him that respect,” the selector added.
In the same report, one of the BCCI officials has also spoken about Virat Kohli’s bad form in the ongoing IPL season.
“He is a great servant of Indian cricket. But his form for some time now is a huge concern now for the national selectors and BCCI,“ confirmed the BCCI Official.