The intensity of playing cricket these day takes a toll on the players. Even the fittest of the lot often fall prey to the fangs of the number of matches in the game. Virat Kohli is no different in this aspect. Since 2016, the run machine has played in 25 Tests, 42 ODIs and 27 T20Is in the international arena.

Coupled with that, he has also played in the Indian Premier for two seasons. In short, the Indian captain has played a lot of cricket over the last few years and the workload has forced him to take breaks and relieve his body from the stress.

"Physically, I had a few niggles, I am just getting over those. The workload has started to disagree (taking a toll) with me a little bit. I have to be very careful about how I go forward with my body, my mind, my cricket," Kohli said on the sidelines of a promotional event.

"Times like these are important going ahead. I am enjoying it. I do not think I am missing out on anything, because my body really needed this. I have started to listen to my body. And when I am done with this period, obviously in the IPL I will be coming out fresh," Kohli observed.

He then cited the example of Roger Federer, who rested through the clay season last year and then came back to win two more titles to add to his already glowing repertoire.

"When he plays, it's so beautiful. He has a family now, priorities set, he takes time out of the game without worrying about opinions and criticism of people and then he comes in and wins Grand Slams. At 36, he is defying all logic and that's something I totally love. I hate following the norm and he is someone who is breaking barriers on a daily basis and I have huge respect for him," Kohli said.