Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has advised star batter Virat Kohli to moderate his aggressive style ahead of India’s eagerly awaited clash against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The much-anticipated match is set to take place at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9.
In India’s opening game of the tournament, Kohli managed to score only one run off five deliveries, a performance he will be eager to improve upon against Pakistan. Kaif has suggested that Kohli should avoid going for big shots right from the start and instead aim for a strike rate of around 130. When asked if Kohli posed a significant threat to Pakistan, Kaif emphasized that the star batter is formidable against any team in world cricket, not just Pakistan.
“Virat Kohli is a danger for every team, not just Pakistan. Any team playing against him won’t find it easy to get him out. However, I believe he needs to dial down his aggression a bit. In the last match, he scored only one run off five balls, stepped down the wicket, got a top edge, and was dismissed,” Mohammad Kaif told Star Sports.
WATCH – Abhishek Nayar Answer Queries About S*x In Cricket During A Podcast
Kaif pointed out that Kohli is in good form, having performed exceptionally well in the IPL where he amassed close to 700 runs. “We saw his domination where he attacked in the powerplay, hitting boundaries, playing slog sweeps, and striking sixes against spin,” Kaif added.
Additionally, Mohammad Kaif discussed the importance of Kohli playing an anchor role for the Indian team. He emphasized that Kohli should aim to play through 15-20 overs, thereby helping his team set or chase a strong total.
“Virat can play every shot, but I think he needs to slightly reduce his strike rate. Aim for a strike rate of around 130 rather than 140-150. His role should be to bat for 15 to 20 overs and score 60-70 runs. A 70-run innings from Virat will be very valuable. He should take a bit of time at the start, wait for the bad balls, and then play his shots,” Mohammad Kaif advised.
ALSO READ: USA Eyes Another Upset Against India: Harmeet Singh Shares Game Plan
This strategic approach, Kaif believes, will not only help Kohli get back into his best form but also significantly boost India’s chances in the high-stakes match against their arch-rivals, Pakistan.
