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Wasim Akram Defends Virat Kohli Amid Strike Rate Criticism In IPL 2024

Virat Kohli is holding Orange Cap in IPL 2024 [AP Photo]Virat Kohli is holding Orange Cap in IPL 2024 [AP Photo]

In the latest Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) news, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has come out in strong defense of Virat Kohli, criticizing the unfair scrutiny over the star batter's strike rate.

Despite Virat Kohli’s impressive stats as the leading run-scorer in the tournament, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team has faced challenges, influencing the debate around Kohli's performance.

Akram, speaking to Sportskeeda, highlighted the misplaced focus on Kohli's strike rate, currently at 148.08, emphasizing, "If a batter is scoring 100 at a strike rate of 150, then it's fine. If the team was winning, there wouldn't have been criticism."

Akram pointed out that the pressure unfairly remains on Kohli, whether he is captain or not, because of the team’s overall performance.

Further defending Kohli, Akram remarked, "He is scoring runs in one game after the other, but one person cannot win you matches. The entire team has to do it. To criticize him without any reason is not fair."

Additionally, the cricket legend called for RCB to evaluate their consistent underperformance over the years, despite Kohli's successes. "Their batting is still fine, but their bowlers are weak," Akram explained, suggesting a deeper analysis of the team's strategy and composition.

RCB’s struggle in the IPL 2024 is evident as they sit last in the points table with just three wins from 10 matches. Kohli himself has brushed aside the criticism, focusing on his contributions to the team.

Adding to the discourse, Indian cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar criticized Star Sports for their persistent focus on Kohli’s strike rate, calling the ongoing narrative unreasonable given Kohli's overall performance.

Looking ahead RCB prepares for their next match against the Punjab Kings on May 9 in Dharamsala.