T20 World Cup: New look Virat Kohli ready to break free from safe approach

Change is inevitable and Virat Kohli has finally shown that he can break free from playing safe. With the India Cricket Team beginning their T20 World Cup campaign with the IND vs IRE match on Wednesday, there could be a new Virat Kohli, who could break free at will and smash it all if the need arises. There won’t be a safe approach in the veil of playing as per the situation.

Virat Kohli has often received severe criticism for his timid approach in T20s. But not anymore. He has shown he can do it with his best-ever strike rate in IPL 2024.

Can Virat Kohli break free?

Many expected Virat Kohli to step down from T20I role and make way for youngsters after T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal debacle. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar has trusted the super-senior batter. 

And the batting maestro showed in IPL 2024 that he was still at the top of his game. He bagged the Orange Cap with 741 runs, his second-best season.

Those who questioned his strike rate after and his absence from T20Is also got a response. In the recently concluded IPL 2024, Virat Kohli scored at 154.70 strike rate, his best in IPL history. While it’s still uncertain at which position Kohli would bat, the 36-year-old can definitely break free.

To counter spinners on sluggish pitches in IPL 2024, Virat Kohli revived his slog-sweeps. And it helped him strike at 144.77 in the middle overs.

“I brought out the slog-sweep against the spinners. But I didn’t practice it, I know I can hit it as I have done in the past and I am always looking to expose that side of the field against spin,” Virat Kohli said during the IPL. “I know I need to take risks, it needs a bit of conviction. I have been managing to stay ahead of that thought and trying to keep up with the strike rate for me and the team,”

Virat Kohli’s strike rate in IPL 2024

• Powerplay: 161.47 
• Middle overs: 144.70
• Death overs: 174.19

Last chance saloon?

Barring the 2011 World Cup, Virat Kohli’s trophy cabinet looks empty. Yes, India have had success in continental tournaments and bilateral series apart from the ICC Champions Trophy back in 2013. But a World Cup matters a lot more. And at the twilight of his career, Virat Kohli would trade any of his accolades for a World Cup trophy.

It’s uncertain whether Virat Kohli will continue to play T20Is beyond 2024 if India end up on the losing side once again. Hence, it could be his last chance saloon, at least in T20 World Cup. Yes, India will co-host the 2026 T20 WC and one can never rule Kohli out. However, with the youngsters waiting in the wings and a new coach taking charge after the World Cup, the plans could change. Now, it’s up to Virat Kohli. Can he take India to glory or get undone by his own demons.