Saba Karim thinks Virat Kohli to be completely prepared for the IPL 2024 despite having played virtually little shortest-format cricket since the tournament’s last edition.
Virat Kohli was in just two T20Is following IPL 2023. He made a total of 29 runs, one time he didn’t score at all. He chose not to play in the current Test series versus England, citing personal issues.
During a Colors Cineplex conversation, Karim was questioned what the changes Kohli will need to make moving into the IPL 2024, given that he hasn’t played much T20 cricket in recent years.
“I feel he remains ready for these kinds of challenges. Many players at the international level relish this type of challenge and Virat Kohli is one of those players. I agree he hasn’t played T20 cricket for a long time but when he gets such a big platform, he is always prepared to play match-winning knocks.”
Saba Karim
The former India wicketkeeper-batter stated that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) hitters will have to take more responsibility in the IPL 2024.
“The responsibility is there but I feel he is just waiting to accept that responsibility. Batting is a strong area (for RCB) but as Aakash (Chopra) said, bowling will be a concern once again. To alleviate that bowling concern, the batters will have to create a little extra buffer.”
Saba Karim
RCB released high-profile bowlers such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, and Josh Hazlewood before of the IPL 2024 auction. Although the Bengaluru-based club bought Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Ferguson during the auction, their bowling, particularly the spin department, appears to be a little issue.
“He knows he will come in full flow after one or two matches” – Owais Shah on Virat Kohli
Owais Shah believes Virat Kohli will find his form after a few knocks in the middle.
“He will not have any issues. Firstly, the tournament is quite long. The sort of experience Virat Kohli has, he knows he will come in full flow after one or two matches. Some batters like responsibility and they bat better when they are given responsibility and Virat Kohli is that sort of batter.”
Owais Shah
The former England batsman does not believe Kohli will have any challenges.
“He takes responsibility for Team India. There has been no better batter than him in chases because he thinks like that and bats well when he is given responsibility. I feel he will not have any difficulties. He is an outstanding player whether he is playing for India or Bangalore.”
Owais Shah
Kohli scored 639 runs in 14 innings of IPL 2023, averaging 53.25 and striking at 139.82. The former RCB captain scored two century and six half-centuries, and he hopes to continue his prolific form this season.