“Virat Kohli shouldn’t solely focus on his strike rate in T20 World Cup”: Suresh Raina

India’s recent 6-wicket victory against Afghanistan has highlighted the importance of Virat Kohli for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, according to former Indian batter Suresh Raina. The match, held at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, saw stellar performances from Shivam Dube and Yashavi Jaiswal, securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

In an interview with Sports18, Raina stressed Kohli’s significance in India’s World Cup plans, advocating for him to play the anchor role for the team. Kohli, who scored 29 runs off 16 deliveries against Afghanistan, is currently contemplating his batting position.

“He’s crucial for India’s World Cup plans. The key question is whether Virat Kohli will bat at No. 3 as per Rohit Sharma’s preference in the IPL. While Kohli works on his strike rate, I believe he should play the anchor’s role. As captain, I’d instruct him to focus on that, given his ability to hit boundaries and sixes when necessary,” he said.

Raina acknowledged Kohli’s effort to enhance his strike rate but emphasized that the responsibility lies not just with Kohli but also with the players around him. He highlighted the need for Kohli’s stability on challenging pitches, particularly in the West Indies and the USA, where the T20 World Cup is scheduled.

“In this World Cup, it’s vital for Virat Kohli to anchor the innings rather than solely focusing on his strike rate. His past ODI World Cup performance, scoring 765 runs, emphasizes his importance. With challenging pitches and mystery spinners, quick singles and twos are crucial if boundaries are tough. One of the top 3 batsmen must stay at the crease for the full 20 overs,” he added.

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