Hayden’s feedback got here within the wake of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar‘s criticism of Kohli’s explosive response to critics questioning his scoring fee in IPL 2024.
Kohli performed a scintillating efficiency towards Gujarat Titans, the place he scored an unbeaten 70 off 44 balls, together with a blistering show towards spinners.Kohli’s response to criticism concerning his scoring intent within the center overs has sparked intense debate inside the cricketing fraternity.In evaluating Kohli’s potential position as an opener for India within the T20 World Cup, Hayden emphasised the numerous enchancment in Kohli’s strike fee over the previous 4 IPL seasons.
“That strike fee is trending in the precise path, it is trending up,” Hayden commented on Star Sports activities. “So 150 for me is form of that candy spot that begins in and everybody having dialog properly the place you bat? Is it three, is it open? You understand these first six overs, it does not matter if Kohli is in these first six overs. You understand that there is going to be fireworks.”
Hayden highlighted Kohli’s adaptability and aggressive method no matter his batting place, significantly within the context of the explosive nature of the primary six overs in T20 cricket. He expressed confidence in Kohli’s means to ship fireworks no matter the place he bats within the lineup.
Reflecting on the upcoming T20 World Cup within the West Indies, Hayden emphasised the favorable batting circumstances and Kohli’s proficiency in capitalizing on such surfaces. He cited Kohli’s excellent report as an opener in T20Is, together with his sensational century within the Asia Cup final 12 months, as proof of his functionality to excel within the position.
Nonetheless, Hayden additionally acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances in New York, one of many venues for the T20 World Cup, whereas expressing confidence in Kohli’s adaptability and the firepower of India’s batting lineup.
“They are not so positive about these circumstances in New York. I’ve seen that overlaid venue and it seems magnificent. However actually via the West Indies, they are going to be benign circumstances and Kohli goes to return in and look to strike away realizing that he has an outstanding batting aspect that additionally has an incredible strike fee,” Hayden added.