Matthew Hayden's "Fireworks" Remark On Virat Kohli Amid Sunil Gavaskar's Criticism

06.05.2024 - 11:35 sports.ndtv.com

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart Virat Kohli and Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar engaged in an unexpected battle of words over the batter's 'strike-rate' in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Gavaskar has been regularly criticising Kohli over his inability to get into ulra-attacking mode and rescue RCB's campaign. However, Virat decided to hit back at all those criticising him over his strike-rate, but little did he expect that the cricketer-turned-commentator Gavaskar would be sharp with his reply too.

As there continues to remain a back-and-forth between Kohli and Gavaskar, former Australia opener Matthew Hayden jumped into the debate, saying he expects nothing but fireworks from Virat at the T20 World Cup 2024. "That strike rate is trending in the right direction, it's trending up.

Look at the IPL over the last four years, it's gone from mid and around that 120 then it goes 130 and then 140 and 150. So 150 for me is kind of that sweet spot that starts in and everyone having conversation well where you bat?

cricket India Cricket Team IPL 2024 Virat Kohli Star Sports Matthew Hayden Sunil Gavaskar Royal Challengers Bengaluru Australia New York India

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) eye a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs when they face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a do-or-die contest on Saturday. With five wins on the trot, RCB have managed to turn their fortunes around. They were rooted at the foot of the table after losing seven of their first eight matches. However, a string of positive results have put them within touching distance of a top four finish in the league phase. One player who has been crucial in RCB's revival is none other than star batter and former captain Virat Kohli, who leads the Orange Cap race in IPL 2024.

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"Fuelled His Fire...": Australia Great On Virat Kohli's Outburst Amid Criticism Over Strike-Rate

Former Australia batter Matthew Hayden has suggested that he is not surprised by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli coping with the criticism over his strike-rate. Despite leading the run-scoring charts, Kohli has often come under scrutiny over his batting intent this season, especially against the spinners. However, Kohli hit back at his critics by taking on the spinners in the last few matches while scoring at a healthy strike-rate. Even former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had also slammed Kohli for his outburst on live television over his criticism.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India has already announced the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, starting June 1. The focus has now completely shifted to what could be India's best playing XI out of the selected players for the event in UAE and West Indies. While Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma have been India's designated openers, Virat Kohli's sensational form batting at number 1 spot for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 must have given the team management a healthy headache.

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