‘People can sit and talk,’ Virat Kohli lashes out at ‘strike-rate’ critics ahead of World Cup squad selection

Virat Kohli has lashed out at critics after his match-winning knock helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Speaking after the match where he hammered 70 runs in 44 balls to engineer a tricky 201-run chase, Kohli called out those sitting in the stands and questioning his strike rate and intent against spin bowling.

Kohli's innings was responsible for Will Jacks being able to play himself into form and eventually hit his maiden hundred that completely deflated the Gujarat Titans bowling lineup.

"Not really, I think all the people who talk about strike rates and me not playing spin well are the ones who love talking about this stuff. But, for me, it's about winning the game for the team. And there is a reason you have done this for 15 years," Kohli said after his match-winning knock against Gujarat.

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"You have done this, day in and day out. You have won games for your team. And I am not quite sure if you have not been in that situation yourself, to sit and speak about the game from a box," he added.

Kind of muscle memory

Kohli alongside captain Faf du Plessis began the chase in a stunning manner by adding 40 for the first wicket inside four wickets.Faf’swicket brought the English all-rounder Jacks to the crease, and thenthe duo unleashed carnage.

"I don't think it's the same thing. For me, it's about doing the job for the team. People can sit and talk about their own ideas and assumptions of the game. But those who have done it, day in and day out, they know what they are doing. It's kind of muscle memory for me," Kohli said.

Kohli's spot in the T20 World Cup squad has been subject of intense scrutiny since the start of the IPL season. Despite being the leading run-scorer in the tournament, critics have gone after Kohli, arguing that the former Indian captain did not have the power game to take up a spot in the top order.

There have been rumours swirling around that the selectors were looking beyond Kohli for the marquee tournament. However, the superlative form displayed by Kohli means that selectors will have to take a huge call if they are to drop him from the squad.

(With inputs from agencies)