Former Indian coach feels Virat Kohli needs rest ahead of important SA series

The voices over handing breaks to key Indian players continue to raise with the former coach of Indian national team, Anshuman Gaekwad being the latest. The former Indian player has suggested in taking some big calls on resting players irrespective of their image to keep them afresh ahead of the key series. The 65-year-old has asked for resting Virat Kohli for the coming home series which could give him a rest before the two-month long tour to South Africa.

Ahead of this South Africa series, India will be taking on Sri Lanka in all the three formats and also New Zealand in a three-match T20I series at home after the conclusion of the ongoing ODI series. Anshuman called for resting India’s most important player, Kohli ahead of the South Africa tour which will keep him physically and also mentally fresh before the crucial series.

“With such an important series coming up against South Africa, somebody like Kohli should have been given some rest,” said Anshuman Gaekwad. “Kohli is also a human being, and selectors need to take such tough calls and rest the player, no matter how good he may be, cricketers always need rest. It is not only about physical, but also the mental level especially when he is the captain of the national team.” Gaekwad told International Business Times, India.

Anshuman Gaekwad served as Indian head coach between 1997 and 1999 and also took up the interim duties in 2000. He featured in 40 Test matches for India between 1975 and 1985 and also in 15 ODIs between 1975 and 1987.

There is too much cricket: Gaekwad

The Indian captain Virat Kohli is also one of those who have spoken about the Indian team’s packed scheduling and he has played in India’s each and every series in the last 15 months. If sources are to be believed, Kohli could be seen missing out from 3rd Test and limited-overs leg against Sri Lanka citing personal reasons.

“The amount of cricket which India plays is really scary. Kohli has also spoken (recently) about the tough schedule of the Indian team as well. There is too much cricket, as a result, it will take a toll on the players, and eventually lead to players’ injuries, shortening their cricket career too,” Gaekwad said.