Virat Kohli's historic eighth IPL century, a remarkable feat in itself, has done little to quiet those questioning his inclusion in the upcoming T20 World Cup. While the former Indian captain's dominance in the IPL 2024 run-scoring charts is undeniable, his strike rate this season – including the joint slowest century of his IPL career – has become a central point in the debate.
Kohli's ability to accumulate runs remains unquestioned, but critics argue that his comparatively slower approach may not be the best fit for the fast-paced, explosive nature of T20 cricket. This ongoing discussion highlights the complexities and nuances of player selection, where even undeniable talent and past records don't always guarantee a place in the final squad.
But giving a lighter tone to the issue, Kohli's RCB teammate Glenn Maxwell has commented "I hope India don't pick him."
Glenn Maxwell's laughter mocked those questioning Virat Kohli's T20 World Cup selection. Referencing Kohli's powerful half-century against Australia in 2016, Maxwell highlighted the stark contrast between Kohli's proven abilities and the critics' skepticism.
"Virat Kohli is the most clutch player I have ever played against," said Maxwell talking to ESPN. "The innings he played against us in Mohali during the 2016 T20 World Cup is still the best innings I have ever seen been played against me. His awareness of what he needs to do to win the game is just phenomenal.
I hope India don't pick him (for T20 World Cup) because it will be great to not come up against him," he joked.
"Virat kohli is the most clutch player i have ever played against, so I'm hoping India doesn't pick him for t20 WC."
— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) April 11, 2024
~ GLENN MAXWELL ❤️
Hitman bodied agenda peddlers. 😂 pic.twitter.com/iLjFb1EOmk
Maxwell said: "It's not surprising because there are 1.5 billion (people in India) and I reckon half of them are unbelievable cricketers in this country (laughs). It's a hard team to get into. You look at India's top T20 players who are all playing in this tournament (IPL 2024). They are phenomenal players and there should be heat on every player."
Kohli's T20 international career has so far seen him play 117 matches for India, scoring 4037 runs at a strike rate of 138.16, including one hundred and 37 fifties.
Also Read: Team India Possible T20 World Cup Squad After Two Weeks Of IPL 2024
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