With the ICC T20 World Cup clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan looming large, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has offered crucial advice for star batter Virat Kohli. In an interview with Star Sports, Kaif stressed the importance of Kohli adjusting his strike rate for the highly anticipated match set to take place in New York.
Kaif’s insights come in the wake of India’s impressive victory over Ireland, which has bolstered the team’s confidence and momentum. Meanwhile, Pakistan will be eager to bounce back from their defeat to co-hosts and World Cup debutants, the USA, by securing a win against their longstanding rivals.
Speaking on Kohli’s formidable presence on the field, Kaif acknowledged the threat he poses to every team. However, he emphasized the need for Kohli to temper his aggression, particularly against Pakistan. Kaif pointed out Kohli’s recent performance against Ireland, where he scored just one run off five balls after stepping out of his crease to play a big shot.
Highlighting Kohli’s stellar form in the IPL, where he scored an impressive 741 runs in 15 innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kaif suggested a more conservative approach to batting. He advised Kohli to aim for a strike rate of around 130, instead of the usual 140-150, and to exercise patience, waiting for bad balls to capitalize on.
Furthermore, Kaif recommended Kohli’s ideal batting position at number three, especially on challenging pitches. He cited Kohli’s impressive track record at number three in T20Is, where he has scored 3,076 runs at an average of 53.96 and a strike rate of 135.26, with 32 half-centuries.
As both teams gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested ICC T20 World Cup match, Kohli’s performance will undoubtedly be under scrutiny. With Kaif’s valuable advice in mind, Kohli will aim to lead India to victory and maintain their winning streak in the tournament.