Former India captain and ex-chief selector Kris Srikkanth has expressed reservations about Virat Kohli adopting a more aggressive batting style in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite India’s inclination towards an aggressive template, Srikkanth emphasizes the importance of players sticking to their natural game. In his YouTube show, Srikkanth suggests that Virat Kohli should continue playing in his own style rather than adopting an aggressive approach from the outset.
Kohli made a return to T20I cricket after a 14-month hiatus in the recent series against Afghanistan, alongside Rohit Sharma. Both players, initially not considered for T20Is in the lead-up to the ODI World Cup, silenced critics with match-winning performances, contributing to India’s 3-0 series sweep.
Rohit Sharma, despite a faltering start in the first two matches, played a sensational innings of 121 off 69 balls, securing a record-setting 5th T20I century in the final match in Bengaluru. Kohli, who missed the series opener for personal reasons, showcased uncharacteristic intent in the second T20I, scoring a quick 29 off 16 balls. However, in the third T20I, attempting to be aggressive from the outset, Kohli fell for a first-ball duck.
Srikkanth, while acknowledging the need for strike rate considerations, insists that players should adhere to their natural game. He cites the example of Rohit Sharma, capable of accelerating when needed, and advises Kohli to play to his strengths, emphasizing that trying to be overly aggressive in international cricket may not always yield success.
The former captain points out that each player has a unique style, mentioning young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal and stating that players like him cannot be asked to take their time. Drawing attention to Kohli’s successful approach in international cricket, Srikkanth believes that he should follow his principles and not be swayed by external expectations.
Despite Kohli being the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket with 4037 runs from 117 matches at an average of 51.75 and a strike rate of 138.15, there appears to be a conscious decision to increase the tempo in the T20I series against Afghanistan. This adjustment might be a response to the competition for batting spots in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, with Suryakumar Yadav set to return at No. 4.
Srikkanth acknowledges the competition by noting that Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma had to make way for the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I series against Afghanistan. The middle order featured Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh, both left-handers who seized their opportunities.
In summary, Srikkanth’s perspective revolves around the idea that players, especially established ones like Kohli, should stay true to their natural game. While recognizing the importance of adapting to the team’s requirements, he warns against blindly pursuing a more aggressive approach, suggesting that it might not work consistently in international cricket. As India gears up for the T20 World Cup, the balance between aggression and playing to one’s strengths becomes a crucial factor for success.