Asia Cup 2018: Virat Kohli is Mentally Tired - Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar believes Virat Kohli is more mentally tired than being physically tired. The Little Master also believes the negative result in the Test series against England has had an impact on Virat Kohli. The former Indian opener believes Virat Kohli would have himself asked the selectors to give him the much-needed rest. However, Kohli absence in the ongoing Asia Cup is going to be crucial.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has been playing regularly for India. Thus, given the hectic schedule of the team, it is imperative to manage the workload of Indian skipper with guile. Kohli maintains a high level of fitness and therefore, it makes sense to give him the break at the right time.

Pakistan will be favourites.

On the other hand, there is no denying the fact that Virat Kohli absence is going to be a huge void for India. Consequently, it would be pivotal for Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan to bat with more maturity.

“The last defeat creates a touch of uncertainty in your mind. Pakistan is the favourite to win the contest,” Gavaskar said at Saalam Cricket 2018 for India Today.

“Virat’s absence will be crucial. That is a call for the selectors. Maybe Virat himself suggested he himself be given a break from this. The tiredness is mental more than physical. Mentally, maybe with what happened in England, maybe the better idea is for Virat to take a break and take it easy,” Gavaskar added.

Meanwhile, the temperature is hot and humid in the UAE. Players are having a tough day at the office when they are turning out to play in a temperature of 40 Degree Celsius.

“He might have checked the weather of UAE and be like I should rest. do you think that makes a difference? These people have yo-yo tests nowadays so if they pass that I don’t think the temperature makes a difference. Otherwise what’s the point of this test,” said Sunil Gavaskar.

It is important for the selectors to manage of workload of crucial players like Virat Kohli. The Indian captain had a long tour of England in which he played all the games across the three forms. Therefore, it makes sense to give him rest.