Pros and cons of Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble's 'horses for courses' theory

Con: Loss of momentum

Does it make sense to drop an in-form player for a different format?

The opportunity to start afresh can also result in a loss of momentum. For example, Ishant Sharma starts hitting his rhythm midway through a series – after having spent a few months away from the international circuit. Right after the Test series, he is replaced by Jasprit Bumrah in the ODIs, who has also spent a few months away from international cricket.

The lack of match practice and extended breaks that format-specialist players get can prove to be hazardous to a team’s chances – especially in major tournaments where they’re expected to be at their best from the first game itself.

Ajinkya Rahane has to constantly prove himself in the shorter formats, which can destroy his confidence in the longer format and also create some doubt in his mind.

A team that works like a well-oiled machine would lose major chinks with every series, and the captain would have to repeatedly rehash tactics and past experiences to get the new players up to speed.