"He should follow Virat Kohli"- Dinesh Karthik and Michael Vaughan spar over Kane Williamson’s future in T20Is

Cricket Pandits Dinesh Karthik and Michael Vaughan discussed New Zealand captain Kane Williamson's future in T20I cricket after the Black Caps crashed out of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Williamson is known for his ethics and being so calm apart from his batting heroics, but he has been struggling in the T20Is. The legendary batter has struggled a little bit with his strike rate, which has been below 120 since 2021 in T20I cricket.

In his last 30 T20I innings, the Kiwi skipper could muster only 852 runs at an average of 34 and a strike rate of 118, with six fifties to his name. Williamson failed to fire up with the bat in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, and his team failed to make it to the Super-8 stage of the tournament, which raised questions about his future in the format.

Dinesh Karthik backs Kane Williamson to find form in the T20I cricket

Many felt he would not be able to break into New Zealand’s T20 team. However, Dinesh Karthik emphasized Williamson's crucial role as a stabilizing force in New Zealand's lineup alongside Devon Conway, as he highlighted the star batter’s ability to anchor innings effectively once he finds his rhythm in the ever-evolving format of the game.

He recalled Williamson's impactful performances in past IPL seasons, showcasing his capability to adapt and excel. However, the former Indian wicketkeeper felt it was just about finding form and rhythm for Kane.

However, Karthik stressed that the New Zealander must focus on the balance between his traditional approach and the evolving demands of the game, as many already have a 220+ strike rate in the T20 format.

Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz Live: “Kane Williamson's still their best batter. He and Conway bring a lot of stability to the batting. If you have a Finn Allen who is fire you need someone ice like a Kane Williamson. Let's not muck about that. It's about finding form and finding rhythm. What Kane Williamson does do is once he gets going which is in the first 15 balls he might be somewhere between 10 to 15 but if he gets going, he does play lovely shots.

We have seen him in the 2018 IPL when he batted at a strike rate of 140 and scored 500 runs almost. So, he's got the skill. I think he's the kind of batter that needs to be playing. He needs time in the middle and his rhythm comes and he starts to get that timing.”

Michael Vaughan urges Kane Williamson to draw inspiration from Virat Kohli in T20s

Meanwhile, former England captain and commentator Michael Vaughan echoed Karthik's sentiments, as he opined that Williamson's irregular appearances in the IPL might not help him improve his batting.

Vaughan urged Williamson to draw inspiration from Virat Kohli's evolution, noting how the Indian batter adapted to modern T20 demands by enhancing his strike rate.

The cricket pandit believes that Williamson could similarly elevate his game by aiming for a strike rate of 140–150. Vaughan noted that he has been playing two or three games in the IPL for the past few seasons, and he feels it doesn’t have any impact on his batting.

Michael Vaughan said on Cricbuzz Live: “I think he has to be out there in the middle and I don't think he's ever going to be a player that strikes at 200, but I think he could be. You look at Virat Kohli in this year's IPL. Virat went from Virat in previous years to suddenly Virat Kohli being the modern 2024 player by going for it and being expansive, particularly against the spin.

He found a couple of lap slog shots which was tremendous to see and maybe Kane needs to have a look at Virat and say can I just up my tempo by, you're only talking 15 percent. If he can get to 140, 150 strike rate and be the glue for New Zealand and whoever franchise cricket teams he plays for he's absolute in every team.”