India skipper Virat Kohli has said that his break from cricket following the culmination of the South Africa tour had been a much-needed one.
Currently preparing to lead the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 11th edition of the IPL, Kohli had taken a complete three-week break from cricket following his exertions on the South Africa tour.
“I required it. Physically I was having a few niggles. I pretty much went to the tour of South Africa with full intensity. Towards the end, the body obviously took a bit of beating. I understood that I needed complete time off from the game. Three weeks without even looking at my kit bag or bats was a weird feeling,” the batting maestro said in a media interaction at Bengaluru on Wednesday.
In Kohli’s absence, Rohit Sharma had led India to a win in the Nidahas T20I tri-series in Sri Lanka. Following his break, the right-handed batsman said he was back to his peak fitness and raring to go in the IPL.
“At the back of your mind, you are never out of the game. I was keeping a check on all the scores from around the world, especially with India playing as well. That kept me involved in some way. Physically, I wanted to take a complete break. I’m feeling strong and I’ve been training non-stop for the last 12 days. I feel I’m getting close to peak condition. I’m definitely at 100 percent now; 110 is what I prefer and that 10 will take a little more time,” Kohli explained.
Kohli was granted a break by the BCCI after the South African tour.
The Bengaluru-based franchise are yet to lift the IPL trophy despite making three finals and it is a record which the skipper wants to put right in the upcoming edition.
“More than the fans I want to win the cup. I have been with Bangalore for last 10 years and we haven’t crossed the final hurdle three times. I can assure you, my commitment is going to be 120 per cent to try and achieve the goal this time,” the 29-year-old stated.
Kohli’s men will open their IPL campaign on April 8 when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens.
