Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli are playing all formats, need six-month break: Kevin Pietersen raises burn out issue
India Today
Kevin Pietersen broke down why the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have not been able to perform at their best in the Indian Premier League.
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen broke down as to why the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have not been able to perform in the Indian Premier League. In a column with Betway, Pietersen did not hold back in the criticism for the situation, and stated that these people have been cooked up by their national board.
Pietersen compared Kohli and Rohit’s position to Jos Buttler and stated that the two Indian batters need to be given a break if teams want to utilise their full potential. He called Buttler the best T20 batter in the world and said that nobody in the world barring KL Rahul has his array of shots.
"Whereas Jos Buttler benefitted from a break during England's Test series in the West Indies, you've had the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jonny Bairstow playing all formats and living in bubbles for months on end,” Pietersen said.
"That is not any way to maximise world-class talent. They've churned out money for their boards by fulfilling most matches in every format in the last couple of years and, as star players, they are under constant pressure with millions of people watching them,” Pietersen further added.
The legendary batter from England argued that even as a commentator his schedule is completely packed and he feels for these players who have been jumping bio-bubbles since the onset of the pandemic.
"The cricket schedule is crazy. Even as a commentator, I’m working flat out. But, clearly, I’m not under the pressure that these guys are,” Pietersen argued.
Providing a fix about the situation, Pietersen said that the players need to be given a long break if one needs to hope for good performances from these modern day greats.