Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar personally believes that Virat Kohli should revert to his triedandtested batting style before the IPL 2024 to tackle the demanding pitches anticipated in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Responding to critiques regarding his T20 strike rate the 35 year-old cricket icon opted to adopt a more aggressive approach during the IPL 2024 season.
He scored a whopping 741 runs with a strike rate of nearly 155, compared to his career IPL strike average of around 132. However, a similar aggressive batting strategy has not proven effective on the tough New York tracks in the present T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli has scored just five runs in two innings against Ireland and Pakistan, with a strike rate of 62.50.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo before of India’s showdown with the United States on Wednesday (June 12), Sanjay Manjrekar suggested Kohli bat more systematically as he used to till the surfaces were flatter again.
“The problem with Virat Kohli is that there has been a lot of talk about his strike rate over the last two years, and he completely changed that during this IPL season. His strike rate had reached 150, although others had almost 200, but that is a different topic. He probably must have come to the T20 World Cup with that same mindset, but given the pitches, the old Virat Kohli would have been much better.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
He added:
“So, I feel someone should tell him to bring back that earlier version of himself and then change again when the pitches become flat.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Despite consecutive poor scores, Kohli has fantastic stats in T20 World Cups. In 29 games, the champion hitter had a strike rate of 130.67 and an average of more than 71.
“While Indian media obsesses over Virat & Co, Jasprit Bumrah quietly wins games for India single-handedly” – Sanjay Manjrekar
Pausing after Indias intense victory against Pakistan Sanjay Manjrekar commended Jasprit Bumrah for his outstanding display subtly contrasting with Virat Kohli. The exceptional pacer achieved remarkable figures of 3/14 in just four overs crucial in Indias defense of a low 119 against their longstanding rivals.
Manjrekar took to his X account and said:
“While Indian media obsesses over Virat & Co, Jasprit Bumrah quietly wins games for India single-handedly. By far the best player in the Indian team & has been for a while now.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
While Kohli may be struggling with his batting form its Jasprit Bumrah who has been the standout Player of the Match in Indias victorious outings at the 2024 T20 World Cup showcasing remarkable bowling prowess against Ireland and Pakistan.
The formidable duo will make their return on the field as India tackles cohosts USA in bustling New York on the promising date of June 12.