'We don't talk about Rohit or Hardik's strike rates' - Irfan Pathan backs Virat Kohli for 2024 T20 World Cup

Former Indian cricketer Mithali Raj and Irfan Pathan discussed Virat Kohli's inclusion in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, stating that the prolfic batter must be picked for the mega event given his experience as a big-match player. Notably, a few have raised questions on whether Kohli warrants a place in the T20 format given his middling strike rate in the format. 

However, Mithali opined that India would need the services of the talismanic batter. Kohli was not just India's but also the overall highest run-getter in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, where he amassed 296 runs in six matches at a stellar average of 98.66 and strike rate of nearly 137, including a century and four half-centuries. His strike rate after 117 T20Is reads 138.15 while he is the all-time highest run-scorer in the format with 4037 runs.

"We should definitely pick Virat Kohli because, when you're talking about experience going into the World Cup, he's also someone who's done very well in the last T20 World Cup. But again, in which order he plays and what is the requirements of the team, that is something the management and the captain have to look at," Mithali said on Star Sports Press Room.

"If he's scoring runs at this strike rate as an opener, then it's an option whether to bat him at No. 3 or as an opener. Of course, you have Shubham Gill; their approach is pretty much similar. So, it's up to the management, but I feel that if we are using the same yardstick of picking people who are in form, then we should also go with Virat Kohli," she added.

Also read: I hope India don’t pick Virat Kohli for T20 World Cup, there should be heat on every player: Glenn Maxwell

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan also shared his thoughts about Virat Kohli's inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad and the debate around his strike rate.

"Virat Kohli's strike rate is actually slightly better than Chris Gayle's in international T20s. It's almost close to 138, Hardik Pandya's strike rate is 139, and Rohit Sharma's strike rate is 139. We don't talk about their strike rates, but we will always talk about Virat's strike rate. I think you need to consider strike rate with the average. You need to see the kind of role the particular player is playing. You can't have the same yardstick for every player. You can't have a similar strike rate. Do you think if a guy has a 137 strike rate and is batting at No. 6 or No. 7, he will be perfect? But if a guy who has nearly an average of 50 with a 137 strike rate, why would you even want to talk about him being in the side or not?”

The T20 World Cup will commence from June 2, just days after the conclusion of the ongoing Indian Premier League on May 26.