Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has suggested Virat Kohli to tone down his aggression for the high-octane T20 World Cup 2024 clash against Pakistan.
The arch-rivals are due to square off at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York on Sunday (June 9).
While the Men in Blue are entering the big match on the back of a thumping eight-wicket victory over Ireland in New York, Pakistan suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of USA in their campaign opener in Dallas.
Ahead of the marquee encounter, Kaif acknowledged that while Kohli is a threat for every team, the star batter will have to tone down his aggression against Pakistan.
During India’s tournament opener against Ireland, Virat Kohli stepped out of his crease and looked to play a big shot but got out for just 1 off 5 balls.
"Forget Pakistan, Virat Kohli is a danger for every team. Any team that plays against him would not find it that easy to get him out. However, I feel he will have to tone down his aggression a little. He could score only one run off five balls in the last match, stepped down the wicket, got a top edge, and got out," Kaif said while speaking on Star Sports.
He urged Virat Kohli to play with a striker rate of around 130, rather than 140-150 and wait for bad balls.
"Virat Kohli has form and is coming after playing exceptionally well in the IPL. He scored close to 700 runs. We saw the domination where he was attacking in the powerplay and hitting boundaries, playing slog sweeps, and hitting sixes against spin," Kaif stated.
"He is able to play every shot but I feel he needs to tone down his strike rate slightly. Go at a strike rate of around 130 and do not run close to 140-150. His role will be to bat 15 to 20 overs and score 60-70 runs. 70 runs from Virat Kohli's bat will be a very good knock. Take a little time at the start, wait for the bad balls, and then play your shots," he added.
Mohammad Kaif also mentioned that Kohli could bat at No. 3 and it is his ideal position on a tricky surface.
“I feel he can probably play at No. 3 as well. He opened and I can understand that he will open tomorrow as well, but I feel No. 3 is Virat Kohli's right position on such a pitch where the ball is moving. He can play till the end, run in the middle overs, and punish the bad balls," he remarked.
At No. 3 in T20Is, Virat Kohli has amassed 3,076 runs at an average of 53.96 and a strike rate of 135.26, including 32 half-centuries. His best score while batting at one down is 94*.
(With ANI Inputs)
