In the Indian Premier League 2024, the performance of opening batsmen has been vital for their teams. Players such as Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Sunil Narine have been consistently scoring runs for their respective franchises. According to former India player Mohammad Kaif, Virat Kohli has been the standout opener this season, especially during the middle overs of the match.
Virat is facing considerable backlash for his strike rate this season, as the seasoned player has equaled the record for the slowest century in the history of the Indian Premier League.
“Virat Kohli is the best opener when it comes to the strike rate in the middle overs. He is scoring runs at a strike rate of 140 when spinners are bowling. There is no other opener, who is even near to him. Kohli is batting well and there is no point in highlighting his rate of scoring. Virat hasn’t batted slow,” Mohammad Kaif said on Star Sports.
“He a befitting reply to his doubters. The more you target him, the better he gets. His form is good news for the Indian team ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. India will need him on the slow pitches in West Indies and USA,” he added.
Virat has amassed 500 runs in IPL 2024, including one century and four half-centuries. Other opening batsmen who have performed well include Ruturaj Gaikwad (447 runs), KL Rahul (378 runs), Sunil Narine (357 runs), and Travis Head (338 runs).
