South Africa vs India 2018: 3 reasons why Kohli can consider resting himself in the 6th ODI

After failing in the 4th ODI at the Wanderers, India succeeded to seal the series at Port Elizabeth. This essentially makes the last ODI at Centurion a dead rubber. However, those who understand Kohli, know amply well that the aggressive skipper is not the one to get complacent after winning the series.

However, when Kohli would sit down with the team management to chalk out the playing XI for the last ODI, he would be faced with dilemma. On one hand, he would love to end the ODI leg on a high but on the other, he would also want to test India’s bench strength. The catch would be to only fiddle with the team so much so that its balance is not distorted.

This very fact may lead him to think of benching himself. This may sound a bizarre idea to begin with but read on to know the three reasons why Kohli can consider resting himself in the 6th ODI.

---

#1 Giving the youngsters a go

Giving youngsters some time in the middle would keep their spirits afloat

In the two games that Shreyas Iyer has played, he has looked like a fish out of water. Part of the reason is that Iyer is more of a grafter than a slogger. Often times, when he comes out at No. 5, the team requires some quick runs. To boost Iyer’s confidence, he can be promoted at No.3 in the last ODI to give him some time to build his innings while giving Kohli some much-needed rest.

The team management can then choose between Manish Pandey and Dinesh Karthik for the No. 5 spot. It would be in the team’s overall benefit if all players are given some time in the middle. This would keep their spirits afloat and keep them ready for their next opportunity.

#2 The Captain won’t mind some rest

Kohli hurt his groin when his knee got stuck in the outfield in the 1st ODI

Virat Kohli has been continuously playing cricket for the last few years. The only time he took a short break was when he had to travel to Italy for his wedding. Since then, he has been on the move constantly.

The unparalleled vigour which Kohli sports on the field also saps a lot of energy from his body. “I am a guy who likes to play with intensity. Once that is gone, I don't know what I am going to do on the field,” says a gallant Kohli.

In the opening match of this series, Kohli hurt his groin when his knee got stuck in the damp outfield while chasing the ball. Although the skipper is never short of energy, it would do him a world of good to take some time off prior to the T20 leg.

#3 A dependable back-up captain

Rohit led India to victory in both the ODI and T20I series in Sri Lanka

Having carried his bad run of form from the Tests to the ODIS, Rohit Sharma finally broke the shackles with a flowing century in the 5th ODI. We have seen in the past as well that donning the captaincy cap only augments Rohit’s effectiveness.

Given his good track record as captain, Rohit can lead India in the last ODI while Kohli rejuvenates for the T20Is. Fans would remember how Rohit stepped up his game in the limited overs leg against Sri Lanka in the absence of Kohli, leading India to victory in both the ODI and T20I series by 2–1 and 3–0 respectively. The ODI series also saw Rohit bring up his 3rd ODI double century.