Mumbai: On the eve of the fourth India versus England Test in Mumbai, Indian skipper Virat Kohli lashed out at England’s tour schedule, gap of 8 days between the third and fourth Test and the 25-day gap between Tests and ODIs.
“We did not ask for the gap. It was a part of the schedule. We will make sure when we go there we also get 8-day gap after three Tests and 25-day gap between ODIs and Test series,” Kohli said.
With the 8-day gap between the Mohali and Mumbai Test, the Alastair Cook-led side took off for Dubai after the third Test in Mohali to unwind.
When asked whether Kohli would like to see England extend tour over the X-mas break, without a lay-off time in the future, Kohli answered in affirmative.
“Absolutely or vice-versa. We should also come back for a month as well (from England). No point we play there for three and half-months and everything we do is in the media’s eye and even our off-time is scanned. I would like to see the same thing here or we come back here as well,” Kohli added.
Kohli quite cheekily added that India were benefited from the break. “It (the break) actually helped us rest a bit, reflect on what we have done in two games that we have won. We will just visualise and come back even more fresh compared to the last two Test matches. So, it was a good thing to happen and we certainly benefited from it,” said Kohli.
"It is much needed, because when you go home in the break, honestly between the series, you cannot switch off because there is this thing in the mind you keep visualising in the day what to do in the match. As a captain, you ponder on what combinations to play, how will be the wicket, but not too much. It is also necessary that you move away from your profession and enjoy life and this is a very important thing," Kohli said.
