“You Can Talk About Strike-Rate…”: Pakistan Great Sides With ‘Match-Winner’ Virat Kohli, Slams Critics





Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has opened up on star batter Virat Kohli‘s form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The former batter praised Kohli for his strong mentality, especially in crunch games against the best teams in the world. Amid debate over his strike-rate and batting intent in IPL 2024, Misbah threw his weight behind the RCB icon, and explained what makes Kohli a match-winner. Kohli is leading run-getter in this season’s IPL so far, amassing 661 runs at a strike rate of 155.16 from 13 matches.

Despite the IPL 2024 Orange Cap sitting on his head, experts have often criticised Kohli for his batting intent. Even former India captain Sunil Gavaskar questioned his strike-rate after RCB had lost seven of their first eight league matches.

However, Misbah refused to side with the critics as he praise Kohli for putting up outstanding numbers every season.

“Virat Kohli performed well in all the matches, against many teams, and especially against Pakistan. He played such an innings at a crucial stage that he caused a lot of damage to Pakistan. So even in Pakistan’s mind, there is a mentality, there’s a supremacy, and even in Kohli’s mind, he knows that he can perform well against Pakistan. He’s such a player that when the occasion is big, instead of taking pressure, he takes motivation from it. Whenever there was a pressure situation and the team was in a bad situation, I used to feel like I had to do something. And this is a factor in Virat as well, and he is a top-class cricketer. So to play against a team like India, like we did in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan or any team has to get him out early,” Misbah said on ‘Star Sports Press Room’.

The 49-year-old also slammed Kohli’s critics and said that when he is in the middle, the opposition is always under pressure.

“You can talk about strike rates as much as you want, but he’s a player who knows how to win a match and is used to it. If he is at the crease, then there is no situation or position where you are safe,” he added.

With India and Pakistan set to face off in the T20 World Cup next month, Misbah signed off by saying: “Everyone feels the pressure of playing in the India-Pakistan match. Whenever I used to play against India, if the start was good, I was confident and comfortable that I would perform. It’s in the player’s muscle memory and mind that when you perform well, you really have a big impact on the match, and the position you are in during the match also has an influence,” Misbah further explained.

Topics mentioned in this article

Source link

Related Posts

Team USA D Charlie McAvoy reportedly hospitalized

Team Canada forward Brandon Hagel (38) plays the puck and Team United States defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) defends in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game…

Read more

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays fail to reach deal; free agency looming

Sep 29, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) walks back to the dugout before the start of a game against the Miami Marlins…

Read more

Micah Shrewsberry’s Rant Shows He’s in Denial About Notre Dame Men’s Hoops

Micah Shrewsberry did his best Dennis Green impression late Sunday night. But his insecurities revealed he may not grasp the realities of his job. Shrewsberry is now 24-34 in two…

Read more

Best Sports Betting Picks Today: College Basketball Predictions for February 18th

Feb 15, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) gestures toward the crowd against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Exactech Arena at the…

Read more

Oregon rides momentum into matchup with ailing Iowa

Oregon guard Jackson Shelstad puts up a shot as the Oregon Ducks host the Northwestern Wildcats Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Ore. The Oregon Ducks…

Read more

Arkansas, desperate for defining win, faces No. 1 Auburn

Feb 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Denver Jones (2) dribbles the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide guard Chris Youngblood (8) during the first half at Coleman Coliseum….

Read more

Leave a Reply