Virat Kohli’s response to criticism regarding his strike rate as an opener in IPL 2024 sparked a fiery rebuttal from cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar questioned whether players expect commentators to applaud them even when their scoring rate doesn’t match expectations.
Despite holding the Orange Cap in IPL 2024 with 542 runs at a strike rate of 148.09, Virat Kohli’s scoring pace has been under scrutiny. While his numbers may seem commendable, especially for an opener, they fall short when compared to other top-order batsmen in the league.
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The debate intensifies over Virat Kohli’s role in the T20 World Cup squad—should he open alongside Rohit Sharma or bat at no. 3? With openers expected to capitalize on the Powerplay phase, there’s pressure to exploit fielding restrictions. Some argue that players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who have proven their mettle, might be better suited for the opening slot.
Matthew Hayden, the former Australian cricketer, suggests that Kohli’s strike rate is on an upward trajectory, a trend mirrored in IPL scoring rates over the years. The league has witnessed a progressive increase in strike rates, with 150 now considered a benchmark for explosive batting. Hayden believes that regardless of where Kohli bats, his presence in the initial overs promises fireworks.
“Whether Virat Kohli bats in the Powerplay or not, there’s an expectation of fireworks,” Matthew Hayden remarked on Star Sports. He acknowledges the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where aggressive batting during the Powerplay has become the norm.
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However, Matthew Hayden is confident that Kohli will adapt to the demands of the T20 World Cup, especially considering the favourable batting conditions expected in the West Indies. Despite uncertainties about venues like New York, Kohli’s focus remains on delivering impactful performances, backed by a talented Indian batting lineup boasting a commendable strike rate.
