Virat Kohli’s performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has sparked a heated debate over his strike rate and perceived lack of aggression. Critics have questioned whether he deserves a place in India’s T20 World Cup team based on his recent performances.
However, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has vehemently defended Kohli, calling the question of his World Cup selection “disappointing.” Pathan emphasized the importance of experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team, especially on slow and two-paced pitches.
“This question that is being raised is very disappointing. How can the question be raised whether or not Virat Kohli will get a place in the World Cup?” Pathan said on Star Sports. “We are talking about the Indian selection here, not the strike rate of IPL.”
Pathan acknowledged Kohli’s struggles to accelerate in the middle overs but praised his ability to adapt to the situation and win games for his team. He pointed to Kohli’s recent innings against the Gujarat Titans, where he scored a 44-ball 70 and helped RCB secure a victory.
“He wants his team to win, and that’s why sometimes he’s going to play slow, but he always wants to play according to the situation,” Pathan said. “It’s good news for Virat Kohli, good news for RCB, but in long-term, great news for Team India.”
Pathan expressed his disappointment with the focus on Kohli’s strike rate, arguing that it overlooks his overall contributions to the team. “I’ve been actually talking about it from day one. Don’t question that because he’s a big-match player. He always wins you games,” Pathan said.
