“People think Virat Kohli is God”: Navjot Singh Sidhu shuts down strike-rate debate in his own style

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ace Virat Kohli has minced no words in criticizing those who criticize his strike-rate and inability to play against the spinners in the middle overs. Kohli went aggressive with the mic in his hand after the Bengaluru team defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match on Sunday. Kohli himself scored 70 runs in 44 balls and criticized those sitting in the commentary box making ‘expert comments’. After the match, Kohli received support from former Indian all-rounder Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Sidhu, who is working as a pundit on Star Sports for IPL 2024, criticized those targeting Virat over his strike-rate. The former cricketer-commentator highlighted the technical aspects of Kohli’s game as well as his extraordinary career that makes him the player he is today.

“People think that Kohli is God. He is a human being, so will play like a human being. Instead of criticizing, why don’t we focus on the fact that that player has 80 centuries. This is his strength and weakness, He doesn’t even have one.” And if you look carefully, today he played on the backfoot and bowled the spinners. Tell me how many people can do this? Hitting a left-arm spinner against spin… so how many people can do that? He also gives importance to his wicket. What else should he do?”-Sidhu said.

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who has been defending Kohli against strike-rate critics for a long time, once spoke out against the strike-rate nonsense.

“These days I only hear about strike-rate. People are behind Kohli. Boss, between 7 and 15 overs, it is natural to be slow. A spinner’s economy-rate is lower than that of a fast bowler. Why ?Because they bowl in the middle overs, ”Kaif said.

Bengaluru kept their playoff hopes alive with the win against Gujarat. But, the team still has a long journey to go to qualify for the next stage.