‘We have not discussed Virat’s strike rate, you need experience’ - Ajit Agarkar defends Kohli’s selection for T20 World Cup

There were plenty of discussions on Virat Kohli’s strike rate ahead of India’s T20 World Cup squad announcement. Even though the star batter was scoring runs for fun in IPL 2024, his strike rate was a bit concerning and was talked about heavily at one point. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Kohli’s strike rate was never a concern for him as he believes that team India will be needing his experience in the mega tournament, which is slated to begin on June 1.

Agarkar explained that there is a significant difference between IPL and international cricket and because of the same, the selection committee didn’t pay heed to Kohli’s strike rate. He added that there needs to be a proper balance in the team and believes that the 35-year-old provides that in the middle.

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“We have not been discussing his strike rate. There's a difference between IPL and international cricket. You need experience. We have got enough balance and power in the team. You look and try take positives from what is happening in IPL. The pressure of a World Cup game is different,” Agarkar said in the press conference.

Notably, Virat is currently the second leading run-scorer in IPL. He has amassed 500 runs in 10 matches and has a strike rate of 147.49.

It was not Rinku’s fault that he missed out: Agarkar

Rinku Singh’s exclusion from the T20 World Cup was a surprise to many. The 26-year-old has done a phenomenal job in the little opportunities he got in the national team and was one of the favourites to make it to the playing XI. However, keeping the balance in mind, the selection committee preferred an extra spinner, which forced Rinku to miss out. Speaking on the matter, Agarkar explained the reason behind the move.

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“Not his fault that he missed out. Did nothing wrong and Shubman Gill as well for that matter. It was all about the combination we wanted. Wanted to have enough options with regard to wrist spinners. Chahal, Kuldeep give us that. Axar Patel is the allrounder and then two wicketkeepers,” Agarkar said.