Renowned for his consistent performances, Virat Kohli delivered a sensational innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday, alleviating doubts surrounding his strike rate ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Despite leading the scoring charts in the fiercely competitive 10-team league, Kohli’s strike rate of 153.51 had been a subject of scrutiny, with some questioning the pace of his runs at the top order.
However, Kohli silenced his critics with a scintillating knock of 92 runs off just 47 balls against Punjab Kings, ensuring Bengaluru’s survival in the playoff race.
Reflecting on his performance, Kohli emphasized the importance of maintaining a high strike rate throughout the innings, underlining his commitment to driving momentum for the team.
Capitalizing on opportunities after being dropped twice, Kohli showcased his prowess by smashing six sixes and seven fours in an aggressive yet composed innings.
Of particular note was Kohli’s adept use of the sweep shot to counter spin, a strategy that proved effective in the away match in Dharamsala.
Expressing his mindset, Kohli explained the need to embrace risk-taking and eliminate doubts during his innings, a mindset shift that has contributed to his success in maintaining a high strike rate.
Despite a rocky start to Bengaluru’s campaign with six consecutive losses, Kohli credited the team’s resurgence, stringing together four consecutive victories, to their collective effort and determination.
Acknowledging the challenges faced in the first half of the tournament, Kohli highlighted the team’s resolve to bounce back and acknowledged the need for factors to align in their favor to secure a spot in the playoffs.