On Monday, cricket legend Brian Lara emphasized that Virat Kohli’s impact goes beyond mere statistics, asserting that the Indian star should undoubtedly be included in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Kohli faced criticism on social media following his 67-ball century for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2024 match at Jaipur.
Brian Lara Gave An Honest Verdict On Virat Kohli’s Strike Rate Debate
Virat Kohli’s century, which was the joint slowest in the history of the tournament alongside Manish Pandey’s century in 2009, sparked a debate online.
Speaking during the Star Sports Press Room, Brian Lara said: “The strike-rate depends on position, and for an opener strike-rate of 130-140 is pretty alright. But if you are coming in the middle-order then you may be required to hit at 150 or 160. As you have seen in this IPL, batsmen are hitting at 200 in the latter part of an innings,”
He added: “But an opener like Kohli always has the chance of starting at 130, bat through the overs and finish at 160 or even higher, which is alright. But if you ask me, India’s top three in the World Cup should be Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill irrespective of all these. And for RCB, it should not be about one person, as it has to be a team effort,”
Lara suggested that while opening the innings with Kohli and Rohit in the T20 World Cup might be tempting, it would be wise for India to pair a younger player with the experienced duo at the top of the order.
“I think Rohit and Virat going as openers to the West Indies (for WC) will serve India very well. Though, I think that you should have some youthful punch in the opening. One of the younger players, showing their mettle, and having one of those experienced players shepherd the innings in the middle-order.”
He added: “Having that whole experience up front, it could have a negative effect if they get dismissed early, so I will use one at top, but use the other at No. 3,” said the left-hander.
VIDEO | West Indian great Brian Lara shared his views on ideal strike rate for a batsman in IPL. Here's what he said.
"Strike rates are very much dependent on the position where you are batting. If you are opening, the strike rate of 130 and 140 is quite sufficient. If you are… pic.twitter.com/EVaTZm3ka3
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 9, 2024
