IPL 2023: Amid Strike Rate Criticism, Ravi Shastri's "Don't Change Tempo" Advice For Virat Kohli

08.05.2023 - 14:17 sports.ndtv.com

Former India coach Ravi Shastri on Monday advised Virat Kohli that he must not drop the tempo of his innings after getting a start as his consistent 'bat-deep' approach triggered a debate if such batting style is suited for T20 cricket.

Kohli's approach was questioned after he made 55 off 46 balls in a losing cause against Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday night.

It was his sixth fifty plus score of the season but the pace of his innings probably cost the team another 20 runs. Asked if the under-performing RCB middle-order is forcing Kohli to play deep, Shastri told ESPNcricinfo that the Indian super star doesn't need to worry about the form of other batters. "Once you gain tempo, don't change, don't worry about the others.

That will be my message to Virat. Let them do their job. In a T20 game, you don't need that many batsmen. If you are hot keep that going.

cricket Royal Challengers Bangalore Phil Salt Virat Kohli Sunrisers Hyderabad Ravi Shastri Australia India Delhi Hyderabad Bangalore

After 73 nail-biting contests and high-adrenaline games, IPL 2023 has reached its crescendo as we have got the two finallists in Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans. Interestingly, it will be a repeat of the opening game of IPL 2023 where defending champions Gujarat Titans hosted four-time champions Chennai Super Kings in their backyard amid much fanfare at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. Gujarat Titans - who were a team to beat from the start of the tournament - suffered a defeat in Qualifier 1 against CSK. In Qualifier 2 GT faced a resurgent Mumbai Indians but young Shubman Gill's sublime century - third of the season - and Mohit Sharma's five-wicket haul propelled the holders to an emphatic victory.

"He Will Perform As Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma And MS Dhoni Have": Ex-India Star Praises Shubman Gill

Gujarat Titans have qualified for the 2023 IPL final after beating the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 by 62 runs at the Narendra Modi stadium in Mumbai. The Titans put in a stunning performance with the bat, scoring 233 runs in the first innings. Shubman Gill had a spectacular 129-run knock (60b, 7x4, 10x6) that opened the floodgates for GT. Mumbai tried hard with several batters getting a good start but were eventually bowled out with 10 deliveries remaining, scoring 171 runs. Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with 61 runs (38b, 7x4, 2x6). A rematch against the Chennai Super Kings beckons, as CSK beat Gujarat in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday to solidify their spot in the final.

"Shubman Gill Will Swallow Trio Of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma": Ex-India Pacer

Unarguably the finest batter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season, Shubman Gill has been ruling the roost for Gujarat Titans. Having already notched up 851 runs this season, Gill will arguably pose the biggest threat to Chennai Super Kings as MS Dhoni's men look to claim the title for the 5th time. Gill has already decimated the teams of Virat Kohli (RCB) and Rohit Sharma (MI), scoring centuries against both. Former India cricketer Atul Wassan feels MS Dhoni (CSK) is next.

"Will Have To Deliver...": Ex-BCCI Chief Selector's Firm Message For Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Seniors In World Test Championship Final

Former chairman of the national selection committee MSK Prasad said that it would be important for senior batters to score well if Team India is to win the final of the ICC World Test Championship against Australia, which will be played at The Oval from June 7 onwards. He also said that excessive pressure should not be placed on the shoulders of young rising batter Shubman Gill despite him being in the "form of his life."

"Can't Wait": Pakistan Great Makes Huge WTC Final Prediction About Virat Kohli

Legendary Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar had a massive prediction regarding Virat Kohli for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia. The two teams will face off in the highly-anticipated encounter on June 7 at the Oval and a lot of onus will be on Kohli to guide his side to the coveted trophy. Kohli is currently in England after Royal Challengers Bangalore were knocked out of the Indian Premier League and he has already started practice in the conditions.

Watch: Anushka Sharma Sledges Virat Kohli, Imitates His Celebration. His Reply Is Viral

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma appeared together in an event recently and the banter between them won a lot of hearts. The Royal Challengers Bangalore star and the well-known Bollywood actress played a number of games that entertained the crowd while their conversations have already gone viral on social media. During one part of the chat show, Anushka was asked to sledge Kohli and she came up with a perfect sledge while imitating a wicket-keeper. “Aaj 24th April hai, aaj toh run bana le Kohli (Today April 24, at least score runs today, Kohli)," Anushka said.