Regarding criticism directed at Virat Kohli’s IPL 2024 strike rate, AB de Villiers has been candid. According to a number of experts, the great hitter has not been as aggressive as he ought to be.
But the former cricketer from South Africa asserted that the criticism of Kohli’s SR was unfounded and voiced his aggravation over it. De Villiers thereby supported his pal.
“Virat Kohli is facing criticism for his strike percentage. I’ve been dealing with it for far too long, and I’m starting to get tired of it. The RCB Hall of Famer posted on his YouTube page, “To put it mildly, I’m frustrated.” Mr. 360 considered Virat to be one of the all-time great players. De Villiers talked about how great he was in the IPL and the role of the star batter for RCB. He declared that the experts’ data-driven methodology had reached its limit.
“One of the greatest cricket players ever is this guy. De Villiers continued, “He’s amazing in the IPL; he plays a specific role for RCB; and I’ve pretty much had enough of the data-driven pundits who keep criticising this man.” He also believed that the professionals who critique Kohli are ignorant of the game. The previous RCB colleague of Kohli questioned the professionals’ playing backgrounds.
“When you’re not that knowledgeable about the game,. The former captain of South Africa asked, “How many cricket matches have you played? How many IPL hundreds have you scored?” Then, suggesting that Virat is the finest number three and should play at that position, he made a recommendation to the RCB management. According to the former hitter, he would play Kohli at number three if he were allowed to. “As usual, I believe Virat is best suited for number three. De Villiers continued, “I would still bat him there.
At the moment, Kohli is hitting like a dream. AB de Villiers
The great cricketer said that Kohli was a good opener who liked to bat first. De Villiers said, “It’s amazing, but with the guys on the team, Will Jacks and Faf Du Plessis, who can go crazy up top, I think Virat could be an anchor down the order.” In their most recent game versus GT, RCB achieved their first 200+ target in a record 14 years. In just 41 balls, Will Jacks achieved a century.
His track record speaks for itself, and he enjoys starting the batting. It’s amazing, but I think this team’s composition—Will Jacks starting alongside Faf—will offer them the best chance to get off to a quick start, according to De Villiers. With 500 runs in 10 innings at a strike average of 147.49 so far this season, the former captain of the Royal Challenge Bangalore ranks second in run scoring after CSK’s Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The former finisher for the Royal Challenge Bangalore believed that Virat’s move to bat third would help him solidify the role that had been his for many years. When he claimed that Virat’s SR in 2024 will surpass his SR in 2016, De Villiers was incorrect. “Virat has a fantastic opportunity to play the cement role he has played for so long. Not too long ago, the South African said, “And his strike rate this season is even better than that record-breaking season he had (2016).”
Also read: Ravi Shastri dismisses criticism of Virat Kohli’s strike rate, saying, “Your strike rate is likely to drop when wickets fall around you.”
Virat’s SR was 152.03 in 2016; as of right now, in 2024, it is 147.49. Observing that the 35-year-old was batting like a dream, De Villiers said there was no cause for criticism. The Indian batter has given others like Dinesh Karthik, Will Jacks, and others the opportunity to express themselves in the middle, the former RCB batter said in closing.
“He is currently hitting like a dream and keeping the team together, so I’m not sure where the criticism is coming from. “He’s giving guys the freedom to truly express themselves, like DK and World Jacks,” De Villiers said in closing.
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