Former Australian handyman Shane Watson thinks Indian Virat Kohli is too good a player to languish in funk for long and expects him to return to the Asian Cup rejuvenated after a month off.
One of the best hitters of his time, Kohli has endured a prolonged drought and has been without a century in international cricket since his 70th in a Test match in November 2019.
India kicked off their Asian Cup title defense against historic rivals Pakistan on Sunday and few players would have more at stake in the Twenty20 tournament than the stylish 33-year-old hitter from Delhi.
“He left cricket this month to make sure the light shines brightly ahead of this Asian Cup, knowing that a T20 World Cup in Australia is also brewing,” Watson told the ICC Review program. .
“In order for Virat to have free time, especially a month, he will regenerate everything he needs to be able to take stock of what has happened, to refresh himself mentally and physically.
“He’s too good not to be able to find his rhythm. He will only need a few bullets, he will return to battle and go away. “
Kohli has been stopped by the Indian Twenty20 tour in the West Indies, but remains heavily involved in India’s planning for Australia’s 20 overs World Cup later this year.
Former India manager Ravi Shastri advised Kohli to take a break from the game to rediscover his hunger, but Watson said long periods on the sidelines weren’t always ideal.
“When you’ve had some time, and it’s been over a month, your skills can start to decline a bit,” explained the 41-year-old.
“So you’re going to need some time to get your batter, your bowling alley exactly where you need it.
“But a month is the right time when you can take a break, cool off and feel like you’re not losing too much pace and skill.”