Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart Virat Kohli minced no words as he blasted those criticising his strike-rate and inability to get going against spinners in the middle overs. Kohli moved into offense with the mic in his hand after the Bengaluru side defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 clash on Sunday. With Kohli himself scoring 44-ball 70, he ripped into those making ‘expert comments’ while sitting in the commentary box. After the match, Kohli found the backing of former India all-rounder Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Sidhu, who has been working as a pundit on Star Sports for the IPL 2024, slammed those targeting Virat over his strike-rate. The former cricketer-tuned-commentator highlighted the technical aspects of Kohli’s game, coupled with his exceptional career, that make him the player he is today.
“People think Kohli is God. He is a human, so will play like a human too. Rather than nitpick, why don’t we look at the fact that the guy has 80 centuries. That’s his strength and weakness, he has none. And if you look carefully, today he played off the backfoot and lofted the spinners. Tell me how many can do that? Hitting a left-arm spinner against the spin… how many can do that? So Kohli has a presence, he cherishes his wicket too. What else is he supposed to do?” Sidhu said.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who has been defending Kohli against strike-rate critics for a long time, once spoke against the strike-rate chatter.
“All I hear about these days is strike-rate. People are after Kohli. Boss, between overs 7 and 15, it’s obvious to slow down. The economy-rate of a spinner is lower than a fast bowler. Why? Because they bowl the middle overs,” Kaif said.
With win against Gujarat, Bengaluru have kept their playoffs hopes alive. But, for the team to qualify for the next stage, there still remains a long journey to cover.
