Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar dismisses talks about Virat Kohli’s strike rate in IPL

NEW DELHI: Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has shut down all the chatter surrounding Virat Kohli’s strike rate in the ongoing IPL, stating that it is a non-issue that has not even been discussed.

Despite Kohli’s exceptional performance this season for Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he has amassed 500 runs at a strike rate of 147 and an impressive average of 77, he has faced criticism for his inability to dominate spinners, especially during the middle overs.

“We have not been discussing his strike rate. There’s a difference between IPL and international cricket. You need experience. We have got enough balance and power in the team. You look and try to take positives from what is happening in the IPL, no point overthinking. Pressure of a World Cup game is different,” Agarkar said during a media interaction in Mumbai.

The chief selector also acknowledged that leaving out talented batter Rinku Singh from the final 15 was a tough decision.

“It is the toughest decision we have had to make. Shubman Gill, for that matter, as well. A couple of spinners were included in the squad to give Rohit more options. It is not his fault that he missed out. At the end of the day, we can only pick 15,” Agarkar explained.

Former South Africa great AB de Villiers also weighed in on the criticism of Kohli’s strike rate, slamming “data-driven” cricket pundits for their constant scrutiny.

“Virat Kohli catching criticism about his strike rate. It’s been going on for too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I am frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to have ever played the game of cricket. He is incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB,” de Villiers expressed on his YouTube channel.

“I have pretty much had enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticising this man (Kohli) when you don’t have the knowledge of the game. How many games have you played? How many IPL hundreds have you scored?” he added.