Rahul Dravid downplays Kohli's 'rest' rumours

New Delhi, Oct 24 (Cricketnmore) Former India captain and current Under-19 cricket team coach Rahul Dravid on Tuesday downplayed speculations over Virat Kohli being denied rest during the Test series against Sri Lanka next month.

"Everyone needs rest. He (Kohli) will get rest when he wants. When and which series (Kohli will take) rest will be decided by the team management, physios and physical trainers (after discussing with the player). Probably currently he doesn't need rest. He may be rested later. I don't know why there is so much of discussion and controversy," he added.

Dravid was asked about International Cricket Council (ICC)'s latest decisions on limiting the size of the bats.

According to the ICC, though the restriction on the length and width of bats remain unchanged, the thickness of the edges can't be more than 40mm and the overall depth can be 67 mm at the most.

Dravid felt the new rule will not make a big impact to balance the power of bat and ball unless sporting pitches were laid out.

"It is a good decision though the change isn't very drastic as only a few players use bats which do not come under new rules. It is the quality pitch and ground which matter in cricket (more than the bat)," said Dravid, who has more than 24,000 runs in international cricket.

Dravid also gave the thumbs-up to ICC's decision to roll out a league each for One-Day Internationals and Tests.

"The leagues will generate more interest and context to the bilateral series," he said.