'When wickets fall around you, your strike rate is likely to drop' - Ravi Shastri brushes aside criticism on Virat Kohli's strike rate

Virat Kohli's strike rate in T20 cricket has been a major talking point in recent years. However, he recently received support from former India head coach and ace commentator Ravi Shastri.

Kohli has been in phenomenal form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He is the leading run-getter, with 500 runs from 10 matches at an average of 71.43. The right-handed batter has a strike rate of 147.49 for the season, which is quite good even in modern-day T20 cricket. However, a section of cricket enthusiasts have criticised him for slowing down after getting off to quick starts.

Shastri, who worked closely with Kohli during his tenure as the head coach, came out to the aid of the former India captain, saying that it is not easy to accelerate when wickets are falling from the other end.

"When wickets fall around you, your strike rate is likely to drop," Shastri told Stake.com amid the IPL 2024.

This verdict from the former India all-rounder came after Kohli scored a majestic 70 not out off 44 balls and stitched an unbeaten 166-run partnership with Will Jacks (100* off 41 balls) to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) chase down a stiff target of 201 runs in just 16 overs against Gujarat Titans on Sunday, April 28.

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Very few consistent  performers in RCB: Shastri

RCB have had a disappointing season thus far. They are languishing at the bottom of the table with just three wins and seven losses from 10 games. Their famed batting line-up has not been able to fire collectively, but Kohli has been the lone warrior for them.

"When you look at RCB, there are only 1 or 2 consistent performers," the 61-year-old acknowledged.

Shastri is regarded as one of the finest commentators of all time. He has been the voice behind some of India's finest moments in ICC (International Cricket Council) events. Shastri revealed how he prepares ahead of his commentary stints.

"I speak what I see and do the right amount of preparation on crucial aspects such as the event and the teams playing," Shastri added.

Also Read: KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan bestows Virat Kohli with new ‘Daamad' moniker

There were speculations about Kohli not being on India's selection radar for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. However, on Tuesday, April 30, Kohli was among the 15 players picked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the marquee event.