Virat Kohli is a name on the lips of every Indian cricket fan. His performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will be crucial as far as his selection for the 2024 T20 World Cup in India is concerned. While some feel that his strike rate needs to improve, another section of fans feels that Kohli’s consistency with the bat is a perfect fit for him in the middle order for the national team. After Kohli’s 72-ball 113 against Rajasthan Royals, discussions about his T20 future intensified. Although the match ended in defeat for RCB and a well-deserved victory for Rajasthan Royals, Kohli’s knock divided opinions.

Amid discussions surrounding Virat’s T20 future, Pakistan cricket veteran Ahmad Shahzad feels the BCCI needs to “wisely” consider the batting stalwart for T20 World Cup selection.

What do you think Virat Kohli is?
complete
think wisely @BCCI

— Ahmed Shahzad (@iamAhmadshahzad) April 6, 2024

In this match, Kohli hit 12 fours and 4 sixes in his eighth IPL hundred – 113 off 72 balls but RCB managed only 3 183 as none of the batsmen, including Kohli, upped the ante on the Rajasthan circuit. Royals spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin proved difficult.

“The wicket looks completely different from the outside. It feels flat but the ball stays on the pitch and that’s when you realize the change in pace,” Kohli told the official broadcaster after RCB’s innings.

Kohli also defended the strategy of not following the bowlers from the start.

“One of us (Virat or Faf) has to bat towards the end. I feel this total works on this pitch. I didn’t have any premeditation. I knew I couldn’t overcome the aggression, it was just that I had to let the bowling The hands guessed. They thought I was going to hit them hard,” Kohli said.

“It’s just experience and maturity of the playing conditions. Even with the dew, the surface is rough and dry and it’s not going to be easy for the batsmen,” he observed.

He feels it will not be easy to hit Chahal or Ashwin.

“Against Ashwin, I couldn’t get under the carrom ball. Couldn’t move hard towards mid-wicket so had to aim directly at the ground,” Kohli said.

With PTI input