During the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram provided insights into Virat Kohli’s approach to T20 batting while commentating on Pakistan’s match against Ireland. Pakistan struggled in their chase of a modest 107-run target, losing six wickets for 62 runs before captain Babar Azam steadied the innings with an unbeaten 32 (off 34 balls).
Akram disclosed an interaction with Kohli on a flight, where former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu prompted Kohli to share his batting strategy. Kohli explained that he adapts his approach based on the pitch conditions: aiming for boundaries on flat tracks and focusing on twos to rotate strike on challenging surfaces.
Commentator Harsha Bhogle highlighted the rarity of opting for twos in T20 cricket, emphasizing the exceptional fitness required, particularly in humid conditions, to continually run hard between the wickets like Kohli does.
In the current T20 World Cup, Kohli has struggled for form, managing just five runs from three innings. Despite this, he remains the tournament’s highest run-scorer overall, accumulating 1146 runs at an impressive average of 67.41 and a strike rate of 130.52 across 28 innings, with 14 half-centuries.
India, anticipating the Super 8 stage, looks to Kohli to rediscover his form in his new role as an opener, banking on his past stellar performances in the tournament.
The T20 World Cup continues with teams preparing for the crucial Super 8 phase, where Virat Kohli’s contribution will be pivotal for India’s campaign.