Cricket News: The best recipe for getting back into the form: Resting or playing more games?

From being dropped to a 120 runs average in domestic cricket

Owing to the lean phase in test cricket for over a year, Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from India's home test series against Sri Lanka earlier this year. However, the batter didn't rest. He went to play Ranji Trophy, where he scored 83-ball 91. After that, he bagged a contract in the County Championship in which he is in his peak form with four centuries, including two double centuries, stacking 720 runs at an average of 120 runs, following which he got a call for the fifth Test against England. Now he recently slammed his third double ton for Sussex Sharks. 

When asked about his experience of regaining form, he said, "It's about playing as many first-class games as possible, and for me, that experience was very important. When you want to get back into form, when you want to find your rhythm, when you have that concentration, it is important to play some long innings".

Two-year long breaks to make the most dominating comeback

Contrary to Cheteshwar Pujara's path, Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya took a nearly two-year-long break from international cricket to return to his form. His poor form before the break was triggered by injuries, recovering from which took him almost two years. After being dropped from international matches, he was dropped by his franchise Mumbai Indians, as he failed to contribute much as a bowler. Even when he made a comeback, he refrained from bowling and took his time to return as an all-rounder. Putting all the speculations and criticism to rest, he made a terrific comeback by winning his maiden IPL title as a skipper.  

Break in continuity: What's going to work for Virat Kohli?

Virat Kohli is the one the whole world is looking forward to. His lost form is missed by fans and every cricketing world and expert. With problems, many solutions come from different people. Some experts advocate playing back-to-back, while some suggest a rest.

Selectors are taking a moderate approach, giving him a fair chance to play and resting him in a few. While his ongoing form is getting support from millions of fans and experts, certain former players disagree with giving him rest with the World Cup coming on the cards, especially when you know that such an experienced player can't be dropped then. He must play as many games as possible and work on his lapses before the tournament. 

Like continuous domestic games worked for Cheteshwar Pujara and two-year rest for Hardik Pandya, it shows every player can take a centric approach that suits them the most in coordination with the cricket management.