Former Australian cricket team opener Matthew Hayden has defended Virat Kohli and asked an interesting question to all the cricket experts. Many fans and experts have opined that Kohli needs a break from the sport so he can rejuvenate himself and return to his original form. However, Hayden asked why is only Kohli suggested to take a break. He felt even the other out of form players should receive a similar advice.
During a discussion with Harsha Bhogle on Star Sports, Matthew Hayden gave his opinion on Ravi Shastri’s statement that Virat Kohli should take a break. A few days ago, Shastri commented that Kohli is overcooked and should take a break from cricket.
Replying to that suggestion, Hayden said:
“Does he say the same about Rohit Sharma? These guys are playing cricket all the time, of course these tournaments, they come around so quickly, you get into a mental space and Kohli has been brilliant at it for so many years, so animated, so passionate. To come off that though just for a moment and you are under pressure.”
Matthew Hayden has played against Virat Kohli in the IPL
Matthew Hayden and Virat Kohli were once rivals in IPL matches. During the initial seasons of the league, Hayden played for the Chennai Super Kings. He played a match-winning role for the Chennai-based franchise and even won the Orange Cap once. Kohli was not so popular back then. He played as a middle-order batter for the Royal Challengers Bangalore team.
While Hayden retired after a few seasons, Kohli brought his ‘A’ game to the table and became an IPL legend. Kohli owns the record for the Most Runs in a Season by any batter. Also, he is the all-time highest run-scorer in the Indian Premier League history. It will be interesting to see if he can return to form in IPL 2022.