Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla has defended his former teammate Virat Kohli’s T20 approach amid ongoing debates about his strike rate. The former leg-spinner stated that Kohli has consistently delivered for his team, adding that the right-handed batter has a decent strike rate in the IPL.
Virat is gearing up for his 18th IPL season. He has played over 250 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He retired from international T20 cricket following India’s World Cup triumph last year. With his T20 focus solely on the IPL, some have speculated on how his mindset could impact his performances.
Piyush Chawla Backs Virat Kohli Amid Criticism Over His Strike Rate
Speaking to ANI, Piyush Chawla said that Virat Kohli will step up for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in crucial moments. Chawla stated that Kohli has consistently performed for his team, but there are frequent discussions about his strike rate.
“He is somebody who has always delivered for his team. If you see the numbers, the number speaks for itself. And strike rate, we talk about so much. But his strike rate is always good at 130 plus, 140,” Chawla said.
Kohli secured his second Orange Cap in the 2024 IPL season. The right-handed batter amassed 741 runs at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, including five half-centuries and a century. The Delhi-born batter also scored 218 runs in India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign.
Virat Is Doing the Job for the Team – Piyush Chawla
Chawla also said that every team needs a batter who can anchor the innings, and Kohli fulfills that responsibility effectively. He also dismissed unnecessary criticism surrounding Kohli’s strike rate.
“Because you need one player who wants to, you know, as a team management, you want him to hold the one end. And if somebody like Virat is doing the job for the team and that too at a strike rate of 130, that is really good. We talk so much without like, you know, thinking about that much about it,” said Chawla.
Virat Kohli Is Always Full of Energy – Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla said that Virat Kohli always gives his absolute best on the field. He stated that the star batter puts his body on the line and constantly looks to make an impact on his team.
“But for me, Virat Kohli, even when he will step onto the field, will give his 200%. He is putting his body on the line. That is the kind of character Virat Kohli is. He is always full of energy. And he is ready to do something special for the team all the time.”
Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history, scoring 8,004 runs in 252 matches at an average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 131.97. He has hit eight centuries and 55 half-centuries. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 22.
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