ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Ex-India Coach Ravi Shastri Credits Virat Kohli's Break For His Resounding Comeback
Published - 25 Oct 2022, 03:38 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:14 AM
Virat Kohli registered a magical knock to propel India to a win in their ICC T20 World Cup 2022 opener against Pakistan on Sunday. The former India skipper hit consecutive sixes of Haris Rauf which turned out to be the pivotal point in the match.
While Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 82, former India cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri emphasized that to understand how Kohli did it, we have to rewind to the break he took.
Covid-19 and captaincy blues took a toll on Virat Kohli, reckons Ravi Shastri
Retrospecting how Virat Kohli’s break made a difference, Ravi Shastri in an interview with Indian Express said, “Not just the captaincy blues and the surrounding mess, but for the last couple of years, the pandemic had taken its toll on many players. Sportspeople were, in some ways, in crazier bubbles than most others.
“The travel, being stuck in a room for hours, feeling lonely, and still having to perform – only blokes who have been in that position can ever tell you its story. I happened to be one of them.”
He added, “I saw the effect of it on not just Virat Kohli but players around the globe. Ben Stokes is a prime example, as he has himself shared. I respect him for what he did that time: take ownership and talk about the mental blues. I had said at that time he could be the first of many.”
Virat Kohli had a ‘calm body language’ after the break, highlights Ravi Shastri
“And when I saw Kohli struggle in the IPL, I felt he needed a break. That’s why I strongly felt he needed a break. I am a doctor’s son after all!”
“He had the opportunity for a month to see within and reflect. When he came back for the Asia Cup, I wasn’t bothered about foot movement or any such. I was only looking for the body language. I saw composure and calmness. I knew he was on the right track. Just as he was in the game last night.”
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