In the ongoing IPL 2024, Indian star batter Virat Kohli’s strike rate has been a topic of concern. Some analysts wonder if the shorter format of the game has replaced the requirement for an anchor hitter. Wasim Akram, a legend from Pakistan, has weighed in on the argument and has vehemently defended Kohli’s strategy.
After Kohli responded to pundits who had criticized his comparatively solid starts, the topic of his strike rate came up. The former captain of India clarified how this strategy enabled him to win matches for fifteen years. Sunil Gavaskar criticized this harshly, saying that it is a commentator’s responsibility to analyze what they observe.
Akram, though, believes that Kohli’s strike rate has been unfairly criticized. From his perspective, the true problem lies not in how quickly Kohli gets going but in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) losing run.
What critique is he receiving? because the team he plays for is losing. Isn’t it fine if the guy is hitting for 150 strikes at a 100 score? There wouldn’t have been criticism if the team had prevailed. Both now and while he was captain, Kohli was and is under pressure. Wasim Akram told Sportskeeda, “He is scoring, but one guy cannot win the match.
It’s said that there is not much ground. Wasim Akram
According to the esteemed left-arm bowler, RCB has to assemble a more well-rounded team that is appropriate for the cramped confines of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Some claim that the earth is not very deep. However, you already know that. Select players based solely on that. I played a test on this identical field back in 1987. It’s the same terrain now,” he continued.
Regarding the function of an anchor hitter in Twenty20 cricket, Akram also shared his thoughts. He believes the nature of the game has altered, as teams are often scoring more than 270 in the Indian Premier League.
Also read: IPL 2024: Faf du Plessis wants RCB to maintain their winning streak following a hat-trick of victories
“This IPL feels like it’s over. Look at it. It seems that way based on how teams are scoring 270s. Even with a 150 strike rate, people still refer to an anchor as slow. It appears that way when you watch the performances and throws. You have to hit the ball right away; you can’t give up, Akram said.
With 542 runs in 11 games at an average of 67.75 and a strike rate of 148.08, Kohli is the leading run scorer in the current season, despite his strike-rate garnering a lot of attention.
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