In the wake of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar’s criticism of Virat Kohli’s strike rate, Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden has reignited the debate. Weighing in on the option of Kohli opening for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, Hayden asserts that Kohli’s strike rate has shown a marked improvement over the last four IPL seasons, rising from the mid-120s to over 150. Hayden believes that irrespective of where Kohli bats, his aggressive approach will be a valuable asset to the team, given India’s strength in the batting department. “That strike rate is trending in the right direction, it’s trending up,” Hayden said. “Look at the IPL over the last four years, it’s gone from mid and around that 120 then it goes 130 and then 140 and 150. So 150 for me is kind of that sweet spot that starts in and everyone having conversation well where you bat? Is it three, is it open? You know those first six overs, it doesn’t matter if Kohli is in those first six overs. You know that there’s going to be fireworks,” he added. Kohli has played only nine T20Is as an opener, amassing 400 runs at a strike rate of 161.29. This includes his sensational 122 not out against Pakistan in the Asia Cup last year, which remains his only century in the international format and helped him end a nearly three-year century drought. “You also know that these conditions that are going to be in the West Indies. They’re not so sure about those conditions in New York. I’ve seen that overlaid venue and it looks magnificent. But certainly through the West Indies, they’re going to be benign conditions and Kohli is going to come in and look to strike away knowing that he has a superb batting side that also has a great strike rate,” Hayden remarked. Despite Gavaskar’s criticism, Hayden’s endorsement of Kohli’s strike rate and his belief in Kohli’s ability to make a significant impact as an opener add another dimension to the ongoing discussion.
Hayden Reignites Strike Rate Debate, Supports Kohli as Opener Despite Gavaskar’s Criticism
