Virat Kohli, according to former India head coach Ravi Shastri, needs a vacation from cricket to recover and come back in form after a prolonged slump.

Kohli has not made a century in any format since November 2019, when he stepped down as India captain.

He’s had an equally bad run in the ongoing IPL, scoring 119 runs at an average of 19.83 in seven games.

India will go to England for a one-off Test in July to finish the WTC23 series that was prematurely abandoned last year, and Shastri, who worked closely with Kohli during his time as India’s head coach, believes the former captain is “overcooked” and needs a breather.

“I’m heading to the main guy right now. Virat Kohli is past his prime. He’s the one who needs a break “, after Kohli was dismissed for a first-ball duck in RCB’s IPL match against Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday, 19 April, Shastri stated.

“He needs a vacation, whether it’s two months or a month and a half, whether it’s after [the] England [tour in July] or before England – he needs a break because he’s got six-seven years of cricket left in him and you don’t want to lose that with a fried brain.”

Kevin Pietersen, former England batter, expressed similar comments.

“From his marriage to his newborn to media criticism, the guy has had a lot to deal with in his personal life. He is the show’s biggest star “he stated

“‘Cricket boots, for six months, I will see you later,’ Virat Kohli needs to say. Turn off social media and go get some fresh air.”

“You guarantee him a berth in that side for the next 12, 24, or 36 months until the stadiums are filled again”.

“Tell him you’re the one we’re looking for. We’re confident in your ability to meet our needs”, he added.