Virat Kohli is the leading run-getter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season with 542 runs to his name, including one hundred and four half-centuries from 11 innings.
However, the RCB star’s strike-rate has been a topic of discussion this season, with many criticising him for being slow after the powerplay overs.
Last week, Kohli slammed his strike-rate critics after playing a match-winning knock of 70 in 44 balls against Gujarat Titans.
However, his comments irked the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, who pointed out that questions were being raised because Kohli was going at a strike-rate of 118 and then getting out in the 14th or 15th over.
Amid the furore, former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has highlighted the significant improvement in Virat Kohli's strike rate over the past four IPL seasons.
There’s a debate over whether Kohli should open for India at the T20 World Cup along with captain Rohit Sharma or bat at No. 3.
Hayden reckons that Kohli will be going hammers and tongs regardless of his batting position in the global showpiece tournament.
“That strike-rate is trending in the right direction, it’s trending up. Look at the IPL over the last four years, it’s gone from mid and around that 120 then it goes 130 and then 140 and 150. So 150 for me is kind of that sweet spot that starts in and everyone having conversation well where you bat? Is it three, is it open? You know those first six overs, it doesn’t matter if Kohli is in those first six overs. You know that there’s going to be fireworks,” Hayden said on Star Sports.
Hayden also expressed confidence in Kohli's adaptability and the overall might of India's batting line-up.
“You also know that these conditions that are going to be in the West Indies. They’re not so sure about those conditions in New York. I’ve seen that overlaid venue and it looks magnificent. But certainly through the West Indies, they’re going to be benign conditions and Kohli is going to come in and look to strike away knowing that he has a superb batting side that also has a great strike rate,” he remarked.
India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign will get underway in New York on June 5. The Men in Blue will face Ireland in their tournament opener before locking horns with arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9.
