Virat Kohli Hits Back at Critics, Defends His Batting Style

Virat Kohli Hits Back at Critics, Defends His Batting Style

Virat Kohli, the star batter of the Indian cricket team, has been facing criticism over his strike rate and batting style in the ongoing IPL 2024. Despite being the highest run-getter in this year’s competition, Kohli’s approach has been questioned by some.

However, Kohli has hit back at his critics, stating that he does not pay attention to the chatter surrounding his strike rate. He believes that only those who have played cricket at a high level can truly understand the complexities of the game.

“Not really, all the people who talk about strike-rates and me not playing spin well are the ones talking about this stuff,” Kohli said after a recent match. “For me, it’s about winning the games for the team and there’s a reason why you’ve done it for 15 years, you’ve done this day in and day out, you’ve won games for your teams, I’m not quite sure that if you haven’t been in that situation yourself, to sit and talk about the game in the box. For me, people can talk about their assumptions day in and day out, but those who have done day in and day out, they know what’s happening and it’s a kind of muscle memory for me now.”

Kohli’s comments come after he slammed an unbeaten 70 off just 44 deliveries as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by 9 wickets. The victory kept RCB’s playoff hopes alive, and Kohli was praised for his match-winning knock.

However, Kohli’s critics have argued that his strike rate is too low, especially in the middle overs. They believe that he needs to be more aggressive in order to help RCB win more games.

Kohli has acknowledged that he needs to improve his strike rate, but he has also defended his approach. He believes that he is a different type of player than he was earlier in his career, and that he needs to adapt his game to the demands of the modern game.

“I’m not going to change my game just because someone says something,” Kohli said. “I’m going to play the way I know how to play, and I’m going to try to win games for my team.”

Kohli’s comments have sparked a debate about the role of strike rate in modern cricket. Some believe that it is an important metric, while others believe that it is overvalued.

Ultimately, it is up to Kohli to decide how he wants to play the game. He is a world-class player with a proven track record of success. If he believes that his current approach is the best way to help RCB win, then he should stick with it.

Virat Kohli Silences Critics with Resolute Performance in RCB's Victory

Virat Kohli Silences Critics with Resolute Performance in RCB’s Victory

Virat Kohli, the star batter of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has responded to critics with a resolute stance, asserting that his focus remains on fulfilling his responsibilities on the field. Amidst scrutiny surrounding his strike-rate, Kohli’s unwavering focus remains on fulfilling his responsibilities on the field.

In a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL encounter in Ahmedabad, Kohli, unbeaten on 70 runs, silenced his critics by employing the sweep shot effectively against the spinners, showcasing his adaptability and determination.

“All people who talk about strike rates and me not playing spin well talk about these things [numbers]. It’s just about doing my job… It’s kind of a muscle memory for me now. We can’t carry on like we did in the first half. We are attacking the game way more. That’s the way we want to play our cricket. And it’s not been up to the standard except in the last two games… It’s about us as cricketers having some self-respect,” Kohli said after the match.

Meanwhile, Will Jacks stole the spotlight with an explosive unbeaten knock of 100 runs from just 41 balls, dismantling the 201-run target with an astonishing 24 balls to spare. Their stellar partnership epitomised RCB’s dominance, reaffirming their prowess in the tournament.

Kohli, who was well on the course of his 9th IPL century, termed Jacks’ innings ‘phenomenal’ as he made mockery of the GT bowling after hitting Mohit Sharma and Rashid Khan for 28 runs in successive overs to seal the deal.

“Phenomenal! When Jacks came in to bat, he couldn’t strike the ball like he wanted to. But we know how explosive he can be. But he went after Mohit, and my role changed. I was just happy to be at the other end. Towards the end of their innings, the wicket started settling a bit. The wicket settles down, and the ball comes on nicely. We never dropped below ten an over through the innings,” Kohli added.

With a steadfast dedication to his craft, Kohli emphasised on the importance of staying true to his role as a player and leader, regardless of external opinions. His commitment to excellence echoes his determination to contribute positively to the game, reaffirming his resilience in the face of scrutiny and unyielding dedication to the sport he embodies.

Kohli's Strike-Rate Debate: Pathan Defends, Sehwag Suggests Improvement

Kohli’s Strike-Rate Debate: Pathan Defends, Sehwag Suggests Improvement

Virat Kohli’s performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 has sparked a debate about his role in the modern T20 game. Despite leading the run-scoring charts with a century and two half-centuries in six matches, Kohli’s strike-rate of 141.77 has come under scrutiny.

Critics argue that the “anchor” role, where Kohli often bats through the innings, is no longer suitable for T20 cricket. They point to the need for high strike rates and quick scoring to succeed in the format.

However, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has defended Kohli’s strike-rate, comparing it to other top T20I batsmen. He highlighted that Kohli’s strike-rate of 138.15 is similar to Rohit Sharma’s (139.97) and better than Chris Gayle’s (137.50).

“You need to make it strike-rate plus average,” Pathan said. “You need to see the kind of role that particular player is playing. You can’t have the same yardstick for each and every player.”

Pathan emphasized that Kohli’s average of nearly 50, combined with his strike-rate, makes him a valuable asset to any team. He questioned the criticism of Kohli’s strike-rate, especially when he scored an unbeaten 113 off 72 balls against Rajasthan Royals, albeit in a losing effort.

Former Indian batter Virender Sehwag also acknowledged Kohli’s form but suggested that he could improve his strike-rate. However, Sehwag criticized the other RCB batters for failing to support Kohli, putting undue pressure on him.

The debate over Kohli’s role highlights the evolving nature of T20 cricket. While high strike rates are crucial, teams also need players who can anchor the innings and provide stability. Kohli’s ability to do both makes him a valuable asset, despite the ongoing scrutiny of his strike-rate.

T20 Cricket: Strike Rate Trumps Average as Hitters Take Center Stage

T20 Cricket: Strike Rate Trumps Average as Hitters Take Center Stage

In the realm of T20 cricket, the emphasis has shifted from batting averages to strike rates. This was evident in the recent match between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals, where the Titans chased down a daunting target of 197 with just five overs remaining.

Despite losing their star batsman Shubman Gill, the Titans relied on their all-rounders to deliver. Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, and Rashid Khan all played impactful cameos, scoring at strike rates of 200, 175, and 218.18, respectively.

This trend of valuing strike rate over volume of runs is becoming increasingly prevalent in T20 cricket. In another recent match, Mumbai Indians scored 234 runs without a single batter reaching 50. Similarly, in the RR vs RCB game, Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis consumed a significant number of deliveries, leaving less time for hitters like Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green to make an impact.

The question arises: are we overestimating the value of set batters in the final stages of T20 innings? With the introduction of the impact sub rule, teams now have the luxury of an extra batter. This could lead to teams being overly cautious and not utilizing their full hitting potential.

In an era where 200 runs is becoming the norm, teams need to strike a balance between caution and aggression. By valuing strike rate over volume, teams can maximize their scoring opportunities and increase their chances of victory.

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