Virat Kohli is scoring runs at a strike rate of 155 in the powerplay overs, while his scoring rate remains 137 after the field restrictions are lifted. He faces flak for failing to get going in the Indian Premier League 2024. Apart from equalling the record of slowest hundred in the history of the cash-rich league, his habit of taking singles and doubles has also been questioned.
Sunil Gavaskar blasted him for his 53 runs off 41 balls against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Although RCB won the match, Kohli was accused of playing selfish cricket.
However, former India players Irfan Pathan and Mohammad Kaif have defended the leading run-scorer in the 17th season.
“His strike rate of 155 in the powerplay overs is reasonably good, and you can’t question his scoring rate of 137 after the field restrictions are lifted. Virat can’t bat with a strike rate of 200 in the middle.
“You shouldn’t expect this from him as that’s not his game. He believes in batting sensibly. I know he will be unhappy with himself with the way he batted against Hyderabad,” Irfan Pathan.
Kaif refused to give importance to critics. “People are making unnecessary noise about his strike rate. He is batting alright and his scoring rate is good enough, considering the requirements of the shortest format,” Mohammad Kaif said.