 |
| File Photo |
Four years ago, KL Rahul dismissed the significance of strike rate in T20 cricket, deeming it "overrated." However, the debate around 'strike rate' reignited in Indian cricket after former captain Sunil Gavaskar criticized Virat Kohli for his slow scoring in T20 matches during IPL 2024. Amidst this controversy, KL Rahul, now the captain of Lucknow Super Giants, made a significant reversal of his previous stance on strike rate when questioned about his approach in the ongoing IPL season.
Rahul, whose conservative approach in T20 cricket has faced criticism in the past, had previously asserted that strike rate was overemphasized. He stated, "Look, I think strike rate is very, very overrated. For me, it's only about how I can win games for my team," during his tenure as the skipper of Kings XI Punjab in 2020. This sentiment was reiterated in 2023 when he explained, "Strike rate depends upon the demand, like if you chase 140 – you don’t need to go with 200 strike rate – it depends upon the current situation."
However, in a surprising turn of events, Rahul acknowledged the evolving nature of the game and the increasing importance of strike rate in the current scenario. He remarked, "There's been a lot of talk about strike-rates and the format is changing. Even 220 is now safe. It is evolving," following Lucknow Super Giants' decision to bowl first after winning the toss.
In the IPL 2024 season, Rahul has scored 406 runs in 10 matches for Lucknow at a strike rate of 142.96, indicating his adaptation to the changing dynamics of the game.
The controversy surrounding strike rate escalated when Sunil Gavaskar criticized Virat Kohli's defensive approach in T20 cricket, particularly against spinners. Gavaskar's remarks came after Kohli responded to critics who questioned his strike rate. Gavaskar expressed his frustration at Kohli's defensive response and emphasized the importance of accepting constructive criticism.
© www.cricketxpedia.com
