Steve Smith, a prominent cricketer, has defended Virat Kohli's playing style amid criticism about his strike rate for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2024. Despite holding the Orange Cap for scoring 203 runs in 4 matches, Kohli's efforts haven't resulted in the team's success, with just 1 win in 4 matches.
Smith praised Kohli's adaptability, highlighting his ability to assess game conditions and adjust his game accordingly. Smith emphasized that Kohli's focus isn't solely on high strike rates; he also values building partnerships and adjusting to the specific needs of each match. He defended Kohli's 83-run knock from 59 balls against KKR, stating that Kohli understands the game's situations well.
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Acknowledging the pressure on Kohli, Smith pointed out the lack of support from other RCB batters this season. Apart from Kohli, no other player has crossed the 100-run mark. Players like Faf du Plessis, Cameron Green, and Glenn Maxwell have struggled, adding to the burden on Kohli. Smith emphasized the need for the team's star batters to step up and share the responsibility with Kohli to improve RCB's performance.
Smith highlighted the upcoming match against RR, where RCB will strive to turn their season around. He expressed hope that with support from the team's key batters, the pressure on Kohli could ease, leading to better outcomes for RCB.