Virat Kohli’s bat may be making some noise in the current Indian Premier League, but it’s also coming under fire, especially when it comes to his strike rate as an opener. Sunil Gavaskar, who is currently the owner of the coveted Orange Cap after the Indian batting maestro scored 542 runs at a strike rate of 148.09, delivered a caustic remark.
Gavaskar questioned whether athletes like Virat Kohli think that just because they don’t score as much as they should, pundits will still compliment them. It’s clear that Kohli can do better when comparing his strike rate to other T20 league openers.
When one considers India’s roster for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, the discussion becomes more heated. The question that remains is whether Kohli should move down to number three or stay at the top as a tandem with Rohit Sharma. Some contend that a player such as Yashasvi Jaiswal would be a better choice to open alongside Sharma because the Powerplay phase is so important in setting the tone.
The legendary Australian cricket player Matthew Hayden accepted that T20 strike rates were on the rise. With a strike rate of roughly 150, he thinks Kohli is in the sweet spot.
Whatever Virat Kohli position, Hayden stressed that the first six overs are going to be explosive.
“That strike-rate is heading upward and in the right direction. Over the past four years, the IPL has fluctuated between mid-table and about 120, 130, 140, and 150. Thus, I think that 150 is kind of that magical number where everyone begins talking about, “Where do you bat?” Is it open, or is it three? It doesn’t matter if Kohli is in those first six overs, as you are aware. There will undoubtedly be pyrotechnics, as Hayden stated on Star Sports.
Hayden, though, asserted that Kohli won’t be afraid to use his aggression at the T20 World Cup, particularly given the ideal circumstances that the West Indies are predicted to provide. With such potent batting talent in his team, Kohli is confident he has the backing to go all out.
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Additionally, you are aware that the West Indies will experience these conditions. Regarding those situations in New York, they are unsure. That overlay venue seems amazing, from what I’ve seen. However, Hayden continued, “There will be benign conditions throughout the West Indies, and Kohli will come in and look to strike away knowing that he has a superb batting side that also has a great strike rate.”