Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes the constant debate surrounding Virat Kohli's strike rate has negatively impacted his batting. In response to criticism, Kohli adopted a more aggressive approach during IPL 2024. This resulted in a phenomenal season with 741 runs at a strike rate of nearly 155, a significant jump from his career IPL average of under 132. This impressive performance convinced the Indian team management to open with Kohli at the T20 World Cup. However, the strategy hasn't yielded the desired results. Playing on challenging pitches in New York, Kohli's aggressive style hasn't translated well. He's managed a mere 5 runs in two matches against Ireland and Pakistan, with a disappointing strike rate of just 62.5.
Sanjay Manjrekar on Virat Kohli's batting approach in T20 World Cup
"The problem with Virat Kohli is that there has been a lot of talk about his strike rate over the last two years, and he completely changed that during this IPL season. His strike rate had reached 150, although others had almost 200, but that is a different topic. He probably must have come to the T20 World Cup with that same mindset, but given the pitches, the old Virat Kohli would have been much better," Manjrekar said while speaking on ESPNCricinfo.
"So, I feel someone should tell him to bring back that earlier version of himself and then change again when the pitches become flat," Manjrekar added.
Virat Kohli's recent struggle in the T20 World Cup might be concerning, but it's important to remember his exceptional track record in the tournament. Kohli boasts a remarkable average of over 71 and a strike rate exceeding 130 across all T20 World Cups he's participated in.
This fact adds another layer to Sanjay Manjrekar's comments following India's narrow win over Pakistan. Manjrekar praised Jasprit Bumrah's outstanding bowling performance (3 wickets for 14 runs in 4 overs), which was crucial in defending India's modest score of 119 against Pakistan. Some saw this praise as a veiled jab at Kohli's current form.
"While Indian media obsesses over Virat & Co, Jasprit Bumrah quietly wins games for India single-handedly," Manjrekar had tweeted.
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