T20 World Cup: Irfan Pathan reacts after Virat Kohli bashes 'Commentary Box Experts'

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator, Irfan Pathan, defended Virat Kohli's strike rate, stressing that critics should not be questioning the batting maestro's batting approach in the ongoing IPL 2024. Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) star batter is currently the leading run scorer this season.

Pathan’s comments came after Kohli's unbeaten 70 off 44 balls laced with 6 fours and 3 sixes guided Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a massive 9-wicket win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 45th game of the ongoing IPL 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 28.

Despite Will Jacks' blazing unbeaten century, Kohli's contribution with the bat was instrumental in RCB’s commanding win over the GT. Well, Kohli might have silenced his critics by scoring runs at a strike rate of 159 against Gujarat, and Pathan has also taken a similar approach to the ongoing debate.

Virat Kohli always wants to play according to the situation: Irfan Pathan

The cricket expert stressed that Kohli's main focus is on winning matches for his team, and he is adapting his gameplay according to the match situation, so criticism over his strike rate is just unwarranted.

He insisted that Kohli's current form is a great sign for both RCB and India, urging fans and experts to consider both his strike rate and average rather than focusing on only one aspect of his game.

Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports: “Talking of specifically for Virat Kohli, you know this innings actually showed the world again that, it doesn't matter what strike-rate he plays. He wants his team to win, and that's why sometimes he's going to play slow, but he always wants to play according to the situation.”

The commentator further said, “It's good news for Virat Kohli, good news for RCB, but in long-term, great news for Team India because you know a lot of chatter has been there around for Virat Kohli's strike-rate and his form. You have to just make it strike-rate plus average. He's got an orange cap on his hand, 500 runs, outstanding.”

Talks over Virat Kohli's strike-rate actually disappoints me: Irfan Pathan

Furthermore, Pathan expressed his disappointment with the ongoing debate surrounding Kohli's strike rate and wondered where all the talk of strike rate comes in. Highlighting Kohli's status as a big-match player, the former Indian all-rounder hailed his ability to deliver crucial performances.

In the match against the Gujarat Titans, Kohli showcased versatility in his strokeplay, adapting to the game's demands with shots down the ground and effective slog sweeps in Ahmedabad. Pathan praised Kohli's adaptability and credited it for his brilliant knock against the Gujarat team.

Pathan urged critics to recognize Kohli's ability to influence games positively and don’t question his strike rate because he is a big match player and he always wins games. Notably, Kohli is currently leading the race for the Orange Cap with 500 runs at a strike rate of 147.49 and an average of 71.43 in 10 matches for the RCB so far in the ongoing IPL 2024.