Virat Kohli To Retire From T20Is? India Skipper Answers
Published - 19 Feb 2020, 11:42 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:04 AM
Workload has been one of the biggest concerns for cricket across the globe and India skipper Virat Kohli is not an exception either. Along with Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli is the only other captain who is leading the team across formats. Add to it, the Indian Premier League (IPL) and one can say that the 31-year old rarely gets time to relax.
Cricketers across the world have been taking different steps to manage workload in order to prolong their careers. A number of players have given different formats in order to ensure that they keep up with the rigorous demand of modern-day cricket. Recently, Australia opener David Warner said that he might give up on T20Is after 2021 T20 World Cup.
Well, Virat Kohli is in no mood to give up on any format as of now. Speaking ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, the India superstar stated that instead of considering retirement from one of the formats, he is focused on preparing himself for a rigorous three years.
“My mindset is on the bigger picture as I prepare myself for a rigorous three years from now and after that we might have a different conversation,” Virat Kohli told the journalists when asked if he is having second thoughts about quitting at least one format after the 2021 T20 World Cup.
At the same time, the star batsman didn’t mince any words while admitting that fatigue and workload management are issues that need to be discussed at all forums.
“It’s not a conversation you can hide away from in any manner. It is around eight years now that I have been playing 300 days a year, which includes travelling and practice sessions. And intensity is right up there all the time. It does take a toll on you,” Virat Kohli said.
Virat Kohli agreed that periodic breaks have worked well for him. In the last couple of years, he has skipped a number of ODI and T20I series to refresh himself.
“It’s not that the players are not thinking about it all the time. We do choose to take lot more breaks individually even though the schedule might not allow you to. Especially from guys, who play all the formats,” opined the world number one ODI and Test batsman.
“It’s not easy being captain, having that intensity in the practice sessions. It does take a toll on you. Periodic breaks seem to work pretty okay for me,” he added.
He reiterated that as of now he has no problem in playing all the formats. Arguably the fittest cricketer in the world right now, Virat Kohli also admitted that he might have a different stance once he turns 34 or 35.
“At a time where the body can’t take anymore, maybe when I am 34 or 35, we will have a different conversation. For the next two to three years I have no issues at all,” he said.
“I can keep going on with the same intensity and also understand that the team wants a lot of my contribution in the next two to three years, so that I can ease into another transition that we faced five-six years ago,” he added.
