IND vs PAK: Virat Kohli needs to make massive change to his batting to avoid failure vs Pakistan, claims Mohammad Kaif

Former India player Mohammad Kaif came up with a suggestion for Virat Kohli ahead of the game against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024. He said that the batter needs to take a cautious approach at the start and needs to tone down his strike rate. 

The much anticipated India vs Pakistan clash is just a day away from now. The match between the two arch-rivals will take place on Sunday (9th June) at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. It will be the first time two teams will be playing against each other after the ICC World Cup 2023.

Going into the game, Virat Kohli will be one of the crucial players for India. The batter over the years has been the best performer for the team against Pakistan and has often chipped in for his team when the chips were down, playing crucial knocks against pressure. 

Virat Kohli missed the warmup game for India against Bangladesh and directly played the first game against Ireland. The batter didn’t have a great outing in the match as he looked scratchy and managed just one run off five deliveries as he was caught at third man while attempting a big shot. 

The pitch offered a lot for bowlers and the need of the hour was to give time. However, Virat Kohli tried to be aggressive and perished early. With a game against Pakistan set to take place at the same venue, he would be keen to give himself some time before unleashing. 

Mohammad Kaif touted Virat Kohli as a danger for every team but added that the batter needs to tone down his aggression a little. He pointed out how the batter managed just 1 run against Ireland while highlighting his campaign in the IPL 2024. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained: 

"Forget Pakistan, Virat Kohli is a danger for every team. Any team that plays against him won't find it that easy to get him out. However, I feel he will have to tone down his aggression a little. He could score only one run off five balls in the last match, stepped down the wicket, got a top edge, and got out,

"Virat Kohli has form and is coming after playing exceptionally well in the IPL. He scored close to 700 runs. We saw the domination where he was attacking in the powerplay and hitting boundaries, playing slog sweeps, and hitting sixes against spin.” 

Go at a strike rate of around 130 and don't run close to 140-150 - Mohammad Kaif’s suggestion to Virat Kohli 

Mohammad Kaif further opined that Virat Kohli will have to bat at a strike rate of around 130 and shouldn’t run at 140-150. He pointed out that the batter’s role will be to bat deep. He added: 

"He can play every shot but I feel he needs to tone down his strike rate slightly. Go at a strike rate of around 130 and don't run close to 140-150. His role will be to bat 15 to 20 overs and score 60-70 runs. 70 runs from Virat Kohli's bat will be a very good knock. Take a little time at the start, wait for the bad balls, and then play your shots.” 

Mohammad Kaif also believes that Virat Kohli can bat at No.3 and it will be an ideal position for him in the game against Pakistan. He elaborated: 

"I feel he can probably play at No. 3 as well. He opened and I can understand that he will open tomorrow as well, but I feel No. 3 is Virat Kohli's right position on such a pitch where the ball is moving. He can play till the end, run in the middle overs, and punish the bad ball,” he concluded.