'Doesn't Matter if Virat Kohli...': Matthew Hayden Hopeful of Powerplay 'Fireworks' From India Superstar After Sunil Gavaskar's Fiery Response

Virat Kohli has scored over 500 runs so far in IPL 2024. (BCCI Photo)

Virat Kohli’s response to criticism over his strike-rate as an opener in the ongoing IPL 2024 led to a brutal takedown from batting legend Sunil Gavaskar who wondered if players want commentators to continue applauding them even when they aren’t scoring quick enough.

Kohli is currently the Orange Cap holder of IPL 2024 with 542 runs scored at a strike-rate of 148.09. At first glance, his scoring rate might seem quite healthy but when compared to other openers in the T20 league, the former RCB skipper has a lot of ground to cover.

There’s a debate over whether Kohli should be opening for India at the T20 World Cup along with captain Rohit Sharma or bat at no. 3. Considering the openers will be batting during the Powerplay phase, there will be pressure to exploit the fielding restrictions and someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has proven his credentials, may be better suited for the job.

Stay updated with the latest from IPL 2024, including top contenders for the IPL 2024 Orange Cap and IPL 2024 Purple Cap. Explore the complete IPL 2024 Schedule, IPL 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours and Most Fifties in IPL 2024

Australia legend Matthew Hayden reckons that it doesn’t matter if Kohli bats in the Powerplay because judging by the way strike-rates have been going up, batters will be going hammers and tongs during the phase.

“That strike-rate is trending in the right direction, it’s trending up. 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,” Hayden said on Star Sports.

Hayden though feels that Kohli will not shy away from launching an all-out attack during the T20 World Cup since he knows that the Indian team is brimming with quality batters who can strike it big.

“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 said.