Kohli Silences Strike-Rate Critics with Stellar Performance as T20 World Cup Approaches
Indian cricket star, Virat Kohli, once again found himself at the center of a debate following his 51-run knock off 43 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite finishing with a strike rate of 118.60, his performance sparked discussions.
Initially, Kohli scored 32 runs from his first 18 balls but later slowed down, adding only 19 runs in the next 25 balls. Nevertheless, his team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, emerged victorious.
In response to his critics, Kohli delivered an unbeaten 70 runs off 44 balls against Gujarat Titans on a Sunday afternoon. He showcased an impressive strike rate of 159.09, hitting six fours and three sixes.
“All those who focus on strike rates and my performance against spin are the ones who enjoy discussing these aspects. However, for me, it’s all about securing a win for the team,” Kohli stated in a post-match interview.
“There’s a reason why I’ve been doing this for 15 years – because I’ve consistently won games for my teams,” he added.
Before the match against the Titans, Kohli had struggled against spin in this IPL season, scoring only 38 runs off 37 balls during the Powerplay. Keeping this in mind, Gujarat skipper, Shubman Gill, had Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore bowl the fifth and sixth overs of the Powerplay.
Kohli hit Rashid for a four off his second delivery, but it was his performance against Kishore that put the ‘spin debate’ to rest. Kohli dominated Kishore with two consecutive sixes, celebrating with a triumphant punch in the air. His smile was back.
Montage of Virat Kohli in action as he breaks the record for the most runs scored at all ICC Men’s T20 World Cups
“I’m not sure if you’ve been in such a situation yourself to comment on the game from a box. It’s not the same as being out there playing,” Kohli remarked.
“For me, it’s about doing my job. People can have their own ideas and assumptions about the game, but those who have done it day in and day out know what’s happening. It’s become a muscle memory for me now,” he added.
The former India captain scored 61 runs off 34 balls against a spin attack that included Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, and Sai Kishore, boasting a strike rate of 179.41. He scored 22 of those 61 runs using sweep shots – a stroke rarely seen from Kohli.
Kohli also surpassed the 500-run mark in an IPL season for the seventh time – a record he shares with David Warner – and currently holds the orange cap.
He finished the most recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022 as the leading run-scorer with 296 runs from six innings. His performance will be crucial for India’s success in this year’s tournament, marking his sixth appearance at the prestigious event.