Virat Kohli, one of the most accomplished cricketers worldwide, has faced flak for his perceived slow strike rate during the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite being the tournament's leading run-scorer with an impressive 316 runs in just five matches and a strike rate 146.29, Kohli has received criticism.
Is it justifiable to question Kohli's approach and strike rate, or is it merely a case of biased judgment? Has Kohli slowed down his scoring when nearing personal milestones in the tournament? His strike rate in the current IPL season is 146.29. If he maintains this tempo, it would be his second-best scoring rate ever in a season, following 2016, when he scored a record 973 runs at a rate of 152.03.
Kohli's overall IPL career statistics underscore his batting brilliance. He has accumulated over 6000 runs in the tournament, making him one of the leading run-scorers in IPL history. What sets Kohli apart is not just his ability to score runs but also his consistency, maintaining an average of over 38 across multiple seasons. His strike rate of more than 130 reflects his aggressive approach, blending classical technique with the ability to accelerate when needed.
When discussing Kohli's strike rate, one must consider his role as an opener for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Comparing him with dashers like Abhishek Sharma or Sunil Narine would be unfair. One game that particularly drew criticism towards Kohli was his 67-ball hundred against the Royals in Jaipur. Despite Du Plessis contributing only 44 off 33 deliveries, Kohli accelerated, smashing 41 off just 21 deliveries. Critics often overlook the game's context and the quality of the opposition attack. Kohli scored at a healthy rate even when his teammates struggled, scoring 61.74% of RCB’s total of 183.
In the past, Kohli has been accused of slowing down when nearing a century. However, the game against the Royals proved otherwise. He moved from 90 off 61 deliveries to 100 off 67, showcasing his ability to accelerate even under pressure.
Kohli's approach against spinners in the middle overs has seen a noticeable change. He has shown more intent against the slower bowlers, with a strike rate 132.6 against spin this season. While Kohli is a victim of the high standards he has set, it's important to acknowledge his stellar performance this season and appreciate his genius.
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