As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season unfolds with Virat Kohli leading the run-scoring charts for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), cricketing legend Brian Lara has weighed in on India’s prospects for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Lara, renowned for his cricketing prowess, has expressed confidence in Kohli’s inclusion in the World Cup squad, citing his exceptional form in the IPL as a key indicator of his readiness for the global tournament.
The IPL 2024 has been under intense scrutiny, especially with the World Cup slated to begin shortly after the league’s conclusion. Kohli’s performance, in particular, has been a focal point, with his century against the Rajasthan Royals drawing both praise and debate over his strike rate. Kohli’s 67-ball century, mirroring the slowest in IPL history, has sparked discussions about the optimal strike rate for batters in different positions.
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In an appearance on Star Sports Press Room, Lara addressed the strike rate debate, advocating for a balanced approach based on the batting order. He pointed out that while openers can afford strike rates in the range of 130-140, middle-order batsmen are expected to accelerate, possibly reaching 150-160 due to limited deliveries at their disposal.
Highlighting India’s batting strengths, Lara named Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill as the top three players who should lead India’s charge at the World Cup. He emphasized the importance of not relying solely on one player for success, suggesting that a collective team effort is crucial for RCB and, by extension, the Indian team.
Lara also touched upon the potential batting lineup for India in the World Cup, proposing a mix of experience and youth at the top order. He suggested that either Rohit or Virat could open the innings alongside a younger talent, allowing the other seasoned player to anchor the middle order. This strategy, according to Lara, could mitigate the risks associated with having both experienced batters dismissed early in the innings.
Also See: 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup Schedule, Fixtures, Match Dates and Venues
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