Manjrekar weighs in on Kohli’s approach and favors the ‘older version.’
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has dissected Virat Kohli’s tentative start to the ongoing T20 World Cup. So far, the star batter managed just 5 runs in two innings in New York.
Analysing India’s match against the USA, Manjrekar said Virat Kohli came with an aggressive mindset after his IPL exploits. However, given New York’s conditions, the “older version” of Kohli would have been better suited.
“His strike rate had reached 150 in IPL, while others were at 200. Someone should tell him to bring back his earlier self and change when pitches ease,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.
The commentator indirectly praised Jasprit Bumrah after his match-winning show versus Pakistan. “Bumrah quietly wins games for India single-handedly. By far the best player,” he had tweeted.
Kohli averaged over 180 at a strike rate 150 in IPL 2022 to claim the Orange Cap. However, Manjrekar felt the testing surfaces in New York demand a more cautious approach akin to Kohli of the past.
India and the USA seek their third straight win on Wednesday to confirm the Super Eight qualification. But Kohli will hope to play a big knock and silence critics questioning his methodology on tricky pitches.
