I had to take a break to regain focus: Bravo

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who had himself rested from the ongoing ODI series against India after playing just two matches, says he needs the break to regain his lost focus ahead of the Test series later this month.

"I'm not happy about the way my cricket is at the moment. I honestly believe I can do a lot better, so I would like to use this time to stay away from the game and refocus, reflect and use this opportunity to get rest and to try and get back my focus again," Bravo told Trinidad Express explaining why he asked to be rested midway through the series, which his team is now trailing 0-3.

Bravo was unimpressive in the matches he played, scoring 44 runs and going wicket-less against a second-string Indian team.

In fact his form has been indifferent this season and in the 10 one-dayers he has played, Bravo has averaged 24.37 with the bat, while his seven wickets have come at 47.71.

"Sometimes in international cricket, because of the hectic schedule, it is difficult to catch form in the middle of tournaments and series, so I just asked for a break from the game for the remainder of the ODI series and look to rejoin the team for the beginning of the Test series," he said.

Bravo also listed the various injury problems that have been bothering him for quite a while now.

"At the beginning of the World Cup, I was coming back into my own in the warm-up games. I was feeling like I was getting back into my prime form again. And then in the first game in the World Cup I twisted my knee and that was a big setback for me."

"After spending eight weeks out of the game and re-joining the team for the Pakistan ODI series with just one warm-up game after surgery, I struggled for momentum. At the latter end of the series I started getting my momentum again. Then I went off to the IPL, which was also a hectic time over there," Bravo said.

"Obviously there are some technical aspects you could improve on, but it's more about regaining the focus and self-belief that I had before. Picking up injuries and being out of the game for so long is always difficult. ...It takes time," he added.

Bravo urged the ICC to create a window for the IPL to cut down on player burnout.

"All international players would love to see a window (for the IPL), but as for now, you just have to try and balance it as much as possible," he said.

Bravo thanked the West Indies Cricket Board and coach Ottis Gibson for letting him take the break.

"The selectors and the coach (Ottis Gibson) were very understanding and allowed me to step away from the game and I'm very happy for that.

"I hope people respect my decision. I still have a lot of passion and desire to represent West Indies. In the long run, I believe I will benefit and West Indies cricket will benefit," he said

The first Test is scheduled to start at Sabina Park, Jamaica from June 20.