Junaid Khan’s latest criticism of Virat Kohli stemmed from Kohli’s dismissal for a mere 3 runs during an IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians. Kohli’s performance, or lack thereof, ignited a fresh wave of discussion regarding his strike rate in the tournament. Khan, known for his outspoken nature, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his views on Kohli’s performance, succinctly stating, “Strike rate 33.33”.
This wasn’t the first time Junaid Khan had targeted Virat Kohli. Earlier in the tournament, despite Kohli’s commendable century against Rajasthan Royals, Khan had criticized the Indian batsman for what he perceived as a slow-paced innings. Kohli’s unbeaten 113 off 72 deliveries, although impressive in terms of runs scored, drew scrutiny due to his relatively low strike rate. Khan, known for his direct approach, congratulated Kohli on social media, but with a hint of sarcasm, labeling it the “slowest 100 in the history of IPL”.
Kohli’s innings, though decorated with boundaries and sixes, fell short in terms of the tempo expected in T20 cricket, a format known for its fast-paced action. Despite the criticism from Khan and others, Kohli’s supporters rallied behind him, emphasizing his value to the team and the sport as a whole. Even legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara weighed in on the debate, affirming Kohli’s indispensability to the Indian team.
Impact of criticism on Kohli’s inclusion in Squad of T20 World Cup
Lara’s perspective shed light on the nuanced nature of strike rates in cricket, particularly in T20 cricket where the demands vary depending on the batting position. While an opener like Kohli may start cautiously and gradually accelerate, middle-order batsmen are often required to score at a brisker pace from the outset. Lara’s analysis underscored the importance of adaptability and situational awareness in modern cricket.
Despite the ongoing debate surrounding Kohli’s strike rate, Lara reiterated the significance of Kohli’s inclusion in the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. His endorsement, coupled with support from other cricketing figures, reaffirmed Kohli’s stature as one of the premier batsmen in international cricket.
Junaid Khan’s criticism of Virat Kohli’s performance in IPL 2024, particularly regarding his strike rate, has sparked heated discussions within the cricketing community. While opinions may differ, the overarching consensus remains that Kohli’s contributions to Indian cricket cannot be understated, regardless of occasional fluctuations in form.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
