Pace vs spin: Numbers that fuel debate over Virat Kohli's T20 World Cup selection
Pace vs spin: Numbers that fuel debate over Virat Kohli’s T20 World Cup selection
NEW DELHI: As the ICC T20 World Cup squad announcement for India approaches, discussions surrounding Virat Kohli’s strike rate and approach in T20 cricket have once again taken centre stage.
Kohli is currently leading the IPL 2024 run charts with impressive statistics, including 500 runs in 10 matches at an average of 71.42 and a strike rate exceeding 147. He is also the highest run-scorer in the league’s history, with 7,763 runs at an average of 38.43 and a strike rate of 131.02.
Kohli’s performance in the ICC T20 World Cups is particularly noteworthy, as he is the all-time leading run-scorer with 1,141 runs at an average of 81.50 and a strike rate of 131.30.
He has scored 13 half-centuries in 27 matches and 25 innings and has been named ‘Player of the Tournament’ in 2014 and 2016. Kohli is known for his exceptional performances against Pakistan, during run-chases, and in knockout games.
Despite his impressive numbers, Kohli’s recent T20 form, strike rate, and overall approach have generated mixed opinions. Some argue that his slightly conservative, anchor-like style is no longer relevant in modern-day T20s, while others support him due to his ability to perform under pressure, accelerate when needed, and his outstanding statistics. To gain a better understanding of Kohli’s performance, let’s examine his IPL numbers across different phases and bowling styles.
In the middle overs (7-16 overs) of IPL 2024, Kohli’s strike rate is 137.17, his highest since his peak year of 2016. Against spin-bowling in the middle overs this year, Kohli has struck at a rate of 138.4, which is his best in recent years. However, his pace game in the middle overs has declined compared to last year, with a strike rate of 134.61.
During the powerplay (1-6 overs), Kohli has scored at a strike rate of 154.43 this year, which is an all-time high for him. In the death overs (17-20 overs), Kohli’s strike rate is 168.00, although he has not had many opportunities to bat in this phase due to a lack of support at the other end.
ALSO SEE: IPL 2024 MATCH SCHEDULE | T20 WORLD CUP SCHEDULE
Kohli’s overall strike rate against pace in IPL 2024 is 157.69, while his strike rate against spin is 135.66. His strike rate against spin was at its best in the 2016 season, where he struck at 152.30, and in the 2015 season, where he scored at 151.21.
(Inputs from ANI)
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