The ongoing debate about Virat Kohli’s strike rate has reignited after comments from both the batter and former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.
Virat Kohli, playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), recently criticised commentators for their constant critique of his strike rate, particularly during the middle overs. Following a well-paced, unbeaten 70 off 44 deliveries against the Gujarat Titans (GT), Kohli questioned the commentators’ grounds for criticism, suggesting they have not experienced the pressure of playing on the field.
However, Sunil Gavaskar, in response, highlighted Kohli’s earlier innings against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he scored a slower 51 runs off 43 balls (a strike rate of 118.60). During a pre-match show before the RCB vs. GT encounter, Gavaskar implied that such performances justified the commentators’ focus on strike rate.
“The commentators asked only when the strike rate was 118. I don’t know what the other commentators have said otherwise, but if you have a strike rate of 118 from the first ball and then you get out in the 14th or the 15th over, I mean, if you want applause for that, then that is a little bit different,” said Gavaskar, as quoted by Sportskeeda. Watch the video below:
Sunil Gavaskar further criticised the broadcasters for their handling of the situation. Gavaskar expressed disappointment with the constant replays of Kohli’s post-match interview, where he questioned the commentators’ strike rate criticism.
“That particular post-game interview has been shown on this channel earlier as well, and right now on this particular programme since 6 o’clock, it has been shown probably a half a dozen times. I hope that they recognise that when that is being shown, the critics are commentators. I think they have shown it enough times; everyone has got the message,” remarked Gavaskar.
As of now, Kohli has bagged 500 runs in the 10 matches he has played so far and is also showcasing a decent strike rate of 147.49.
Last Updated on May 4, 2024
