RCB vs GT: "India need Virat Kohli's experience in the T20 World Cup" - Matthew Hayden

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden praised Virat Kohli following a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT). Matthew Hayden stated that the Indian team needs Virat Kohli's experience in unknown conditions during the T20 World Cup 2024.

The Bengaluru team registered a 9-wicket victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, April 28. Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 70 runs off 44 balls with the help of six boundaries and three sixes. The visiting team chased down the 201-run target with four overs to spare.

The 35-year-old showcased improvement in his approach to maintaining pace after the powerplay, especially against spinners, against the Gujarat Titans. The ace batter played slog sweeps against the GT spinners. He was the aggressor in the initial stages of his partnership with Will Jacks.

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Virat Kohli Did Need To Make Adjustments - Matthew Hayden

Speaking after the game, Matthew Hayden stated that India needs Virat Kohli's experience in the 'element of unknown' during their group stage games in the USA. Hayden commended Kohli for making adjustments to increase his strike rate, particularly his use of sweep shots.

"You have 4 games in the US (T20 World Cup). So, there’s that element of unknown. You need his experience. Sweep shot. Longevity in your career means you have to keep making the adjustments. And I think Virat Kohli did need to make adjustments for RCB Outside the first six, there were some issues around strike rate," Hayden said on Star Sports after the match.

"Certainly, his strike rate was dropping. But, against the Afghan spin twins today, those sweep shots... that was typical of a great champion, to keep learning. That was an option to get off strike, to hit boundaries and to keep momentum in your favour and then, you can say ‘I am doing my job today, you need to do yours’," he added.

Sit And Talk About The Game From The Box - Virat Kohli

Speaking to the broadcaster after the match, Virat Kohli opened up about the criticism regarding his strike rate. The former RCB skipper emphasized his 15-year experience in the game and his commitment to winning matches for the team.

"For me, it's about winning the games for the team and there's a reason why you've done it for 15 years, you've done this day in and day out, you've won games for your teams. I'm not quite sure, if you haven't been in that situation yourself, to sit and talk about the game from the box," Kohli said.

Virat Kohli completed the 500-run mark during the match between GT and RCB. The batter currently holds the Orange Cap in the IPL 2024. He has amassed 500 runs at an average of 71.43 with a strike rate of 147.49. Kohli has scored four half-centuries and one century in the event.

He will be next seen in action when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru face the Gujarat Titans at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 4. The RCB team is currently at the bottom of the table, having won three matches out of 10.

Also read: New Zealand T20 World Cup Squad 2024 announced; Kane Williamson to lead the side