IPL 2025: Kohli's strike rate debate - unfair criticism or tactical play?

As Kohli prepares for another season, the expectations remain high, and his ability to adapt and lead from the front could be the defining factor in RCB's quest for their maiden IPL title.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 gets ready to kick off on March 22 with a blockbuster clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Virat Kohli remains at the centre of discussions. Despite being one of the most consistent performers for RCB in IPL 2024, Kohli’s strike rate became a talking point last season.  Check latest news on Indian Premier League 2025 here

 

  Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar, several cricketing greats defended Kohli, dismissing the criticism as unwarranted.

 

• Graeme Smith: “The criticism was completely unfair. He single-handedly carried RCB’s batting lineup when others around him weren’t delivering.”
• AB de Villiers: “The scrutiny over his strike rate was ridiculous. He played exactly how his team needed him to. When he trusts his partner at the other end, he plays freely. Otherwise, he takes on the responsibility of anchoring.”
• Scott Styris: “His strike rate wasn’t an issue in the powerplay. The challenge was after that, where he needed to shift gears.”
• Shane Watson: “He knew that if he didn’t increase his scoring rate and take more risks, he would be left behind in the modern T20 game.”

 

Virat Kohli batting & fielding Stats in IPL history
Year	Mat	No	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	50	4s	6s	CT
Career	252	37	8004	113	38.67	6065	131.97	8	55	705	272	115
2024	15	3	741	113*	61.75	479	154.7	1	5	62	38	8
2023	14	2	639	101*	53.25	457	139.82	2	6	65	16	13
2022	16	1	341	73	22.73	294	115.99	0	2	32	8	9
2021	15	1	405	72*	28.92	339	119.46	0	3	43	9	8
2020	15	4	466	90*	42.36	384	121.35	0	3	23	11	3
2019	14	0	464	100	33.14	328	141.46	1	2	46	13	5
2018	14	3	530	92*	48.18	381	139.1	0	4	52	18	8
2017	10	0	308	64	30.8	252	122.22	0	4	23	11	6
2016	16	4	973	113	81.08	640	152.03	4	7	83	38	6
2015	16	5	505	82*	45.9	386	130.82	0	3	35	23	7
2014	14	1	359	73	27.61	294	122.1	0	2	23	16	7
2013	16	2	634	99	45.28	457	138.73	0	6	64	22	7
2012	16	2	364	73*	28	326	111.65	0	2	33	9	7
2011	16	4	557	71	46.41	460	121.08	0	4	55	16	7
2010	16	2	307	58	27.9	212	144.81	0	1	26	12	3
2009	16	2	246	50	22.36	219	112.32	0	1	22	8	9
2008	13	1	165	38	15	157	105.09	0	0	18	4	2

 

RCB’s management: Are they focused on winning?

 

RCB’s team management has also come under scrutiny, with former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad questioning their approach to team-building.

 

“How a team is managed makes all the difference,” Prasad said. “Other teams are trusting local talent—why isn’t RCB doing the same? Are they building a brand, or are they truly focused on winning? They need to get the best out of their players, which hasn’t happened so far.” 

 

Despite their late-season resurgence in IPL 2024, RCB’s inability to clinch the title remains a concern, leading to ongoing debates about their squad composition and management strategies.

 

The evolution of Virat Kohli

 

Experts believe that Kohli is still evolving, even at this stage of his career.

 

• Aakash Chopra: “He keeps adapting, improvising, and pushing his limits—that’s what champions do.”
• Mike Hesson: “He’s added the slog sweep in the middle overs, recognising the need to accelerate rather than just rotating strike.”
• AB de Villiers: “It’s great to see him step out of his comfort zone and explore new shots. Winning the IPL with RCB would be the perfect finishing touch to his incredible career.”
• Robin Uthappa: “Growth has always been a part of his journey. It was never a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ he would integrate new shots like the slog sweep.”

 

RCB’s miraculous run in IPL 2024 and hopes for 2025

 

Despite a turbulent start to IPL 2024, RCB staged a remarkable comeback, defying expectations to qualify for the playoffs.

 

Former Australian cricketer Brett Lee said in the JioHotstar special show that when he picked RCB to go long in the IPL 2024 everybody laughed at him.  “Everyone wrote them off, but I picked them to win. People laughed at me, but you saw how far they came,” Lee said.  Check IPL 2025 full schedule, live match time and venues here

 

While RCB fell short of winning the title, their spirited performances left an impact, raising hopes for a strong campaign in IPL 2025.