Virat Kohli has scored 614 runs at an average of 55.81 and a strike rate of 146.53. Chopra praised the two-time world champion’s batting but also noted that he has improved his game against spinners. Reflecting on Kohli’s performance, the acclaimed broadcaster and analyst questioned his choice to retire from Test cricket.
The thrilling IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) final is going to take place on June 3 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), with both clubs vying for their first IPL trophy this season. One of the individuals to keep an eye on in the final is RCB’s iconic top-order batter Virat Kohli, who has had another outstanding season. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has also given his thoughts on the world-class batter.
“Virat Kohli has once again had a magnificent season. The guy runs like a machine. He never stops and continues to hit. This year, we’ve noticed an improvement in his performance against spin. When it comes to 200-plus chases, his strike rate appears to be slightly different,” Chopra remarked on his YouTube page.
“He is always evolving, and you wonder why he quit Tests when he is so fit and only 36 years old. He still has it, though. He remarked last year that all he wanted to say was that he still has it, and so do you, Mr Kohli. “You could have played more Test cricket if you wanted, but that’s fine,” the 47-year-old analyst continued.
To complement Virat Kohli, you needed an opener who goes like rocket: Chopra
Besides Virat Kohli, Aakash Chopra also spoke about the contribution of Phil Salt in the same video. According to him, there was a need for an explosive opener like Salt to complement Virat in the team. Chopra noted that Salt was one of the best players for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and observed that the Men in Red always win when he scores above 50.
“The team wins every time Phil Salt scores a fifty in a chase. When he scores a fifty, he runs very fast. He was Kolkata’s pride last time, and he is this team’s honour this time. To complement Virat Kohli, you needed an opener who goes like a rocket,” Chopra said.
“He launches like a rocket, and he hits a lot. He has hit decently, and he bats carefree. Of course, it’s slightly more risky, but who cares, because he scores runs consistently. You say it’s great if you get six to eight innings in a year with that kind of a strike rate, and he has done that and a bit more. So he has been outstanding,” he concluded.
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