‘Kohli was scoring runs, but his strike rate….’ - Green talks about Kohli’s IPL turnaround

After a 639-run season in the 2023 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Virat Kohli began IPL 2024 in red-hot form, amassing 316 runs in the first five matches at a remarkable average of 105.33. However, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) talisman’s strike rate was on the lower side, with it reading 146.3. 

Against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur, Kohli, in fact, registered the joint-slowest century in IPL history, getting to the landmark off 67 balls. RCB went on to lose that clash despite Kohli getting to three figures.

But the world witnessed a completely different Kohli in the last 10 matches of IPL 2024. The 35-year-old’s strike rate jumped to 161.6, with him striking at over 190 in four different games. He was particularly ultra-aggressive in the first 10 balls of his innings, striking at 165.5.

Speaking on the LiSTNR Sport Youtube Channel, Kohli’s RCB teammate Cameron Green spoke about the veteran’s strike rate turnaround with the bat in IPL 2024.

“I think the first half of the tournament he was scoring a truckload of runs but probably not at the strike rate we were hoping for,” Green said, speaking on the podcast.

“And then he was so happy to change it up and be the man to take the bowlers on from ball one. He then had an unbelievable, outstanding end to the tournament. To be able to just ‘turn it on’ after a conversation is ridiculous.”

In the same video, the young Aussie all-rounder stated how he was in awe of how Kohli went about his business, particularly in the nets. 

“Just watching Virat, how perfect he is, can get tough. You’re like ‘Gosh, I just want to do the same. He just makes everything look so easy’,” Green said.

The 25-year-old, who was one of RCB’s best performers in the second half of their IPL 2024 campaign, further spoke about how he managed to pick up a lot of things from the veteran in the time they spent together. 

“I’ve asked him a few questions. At the same time, he’s quite a bit different to me, especially size wise. I can’t skip down the wicket and smack it like he can,” Green said.

“But there are definitely a few things you can take away, how he goes about it. What was very impressive is how he is still trying to learn. 

“I didn’t try to bombard him and tried to give him as much space as I could. I kind of understand, to a very less extent obviously, what he goes through. But I was grateful for the energy he gave me.”

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here