Saikiran Uppuluri
Saikiran Uppuluri
Virat Kohli is undoubtedly one of the all-time great batsmen in cricket history. His record in Test and ODI cricket is simply staggering. However, when it comes to the shortest format of the game – T20 cricket – Kohli’s performances have been more inconsistent.
As the data shows, Kohli is still a huge asset to his team when facing challenging batting conditions. His knock of 82* off 53 balls against Pakistan in the last T20 World Cup was an excellent example of his class and ability to thrive under pressure.
However, on flatter batting tracks, Kohli has struggled to maintain the same level of dominance. His 50 off 40 balls against England in the semi-final of that same tournament, while still a decent score, highlighted how Kohli can sometimes struggle to up the ante on pitches that offer little assistance to the bowlers.
The key issue seems to be Kohli’s strike rate. In T20 cricket, where the game has evolved to a point where batters are looking to hit a six every other ball, Kohli’s more measured approach can sometimes hold his team back. His strike rate of 125 against England, while respectable, pales in comparison to the likes of Jos Buttler and Alex Hales, who were able to up the tempo and put the opposition under constant pressure.
This is not to say that Kohli is a poor T20 batter. Far from it. His experience, cricketing nous, and ability to produce match-winning knocks under duress make him an invaluable asset to any T20 team. However, as the format continues to evolve, Kohli may need to adapt his game slightly to ensure that he remains an unstoppable force, even on the flattest of batting tracks.
