Virat Kohli’s performance in the IPL 2024 was nothing short of remarkable as he amassed 741 runs in 15 innings at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, including one hundred and five half-centuries.
Kohli finished the season as the leading run-getter, helping RCB qualify for the playoffs despite winning only one of their initial eight matches.
During some games, however, Kohli’s strike-rate became a topic of debate with many criticizing him for being slow after the powerplay overs.
In fact, the RCB star picked up a verbal feud with critics raising questions over his strike-rate. Subsequently, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar slammed Kohli, saying that the commentators were just responding to what they were seeing in front of them during games.
Reacting to the series of events, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull asked Virat Kohli to not be bothered about the ‘rubbish’ that is being written on him.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, former RCB wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik credited Doull and a few others for 'spurring' Kohli in the IPL 2024.
"I can write a book on how he was this year. He started okay but thanks to people like Simon (Doull) and a few others, they just really spurred him on. And you don't want to see that side of Virat Kohli. I think he thrives on that. He is someone who inadvertently wants to hold on to certain things to do well," Karthik said.
"He loves proving people wrong, and even though he might not come out and say it, it really fuels his passion and he's like a molten lava coming out. He's fiery and you don't want to be anywhere close to it because you're going to get burnt for sure because he's done this time and time again," he added.
Virat Kohli will be next seen in action during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, slated to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 1 to June 29.
Initially, there were doubts about Kohli's selection for the squad, as reports suggested that selectors were unhappy with his approach in the shortest format. However, the 35-year-old once again proved his worth, shutting down his critics by winning the Orange Cap in the IPL 2024.
