For instance, since November 2019, Kohli has the most half-centuries in international cricket after Babar Azam but the lacking century has made people label him as a finished product. The talisman has a chance to change that fact when India tour Zimbabwe for three ODIs in August ahead of the Asia Cup, but former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris believes it would be a cheap way out that won't benefit him in the long run. He suggested Kohli should instead consider a complete break to be in prime condition for October's ICC World T20.

"I think it is a lose-lose for Kohli. I'd love to see him take a complete break from the game for a little while and come back. Ask the question as selectors and coach Rahul Dravid, I think he's got a big part to plan as to how much preparation time you need to be at a hundred per cent when the world cup starts and then work backwards from there and then build that schedule. So yeah, Zimbabwe, I'd forget about it because I don't necessarily think there's a lot to gain from him. He might score a cheap hundred, which goes great for the confidence but doesn't necessarily change too much moving forward because I still believe he's the key man for India,” Styris said on Sports18’s show ‘Sports Over The Top’.

These comments came shortly after national selector Saba Karim had revealed the current sentiment in the Indian camp regarding Kohli. He stated that the Delhite had been given the freedom to skip the Zimbabwe series if he felt like it before returning to the national squad for the Asia Cup and then the T20 World Cup. Styris expressed amazement at the blueprint offered by Karim, appreciating the insights offered.