Virat Kohli’s Strike Of 9.31 An Over Is His Best In The IPL

While the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Koli has been pilloried for his alleged slow scoring in the Tata-IPl-17, he has a scoring rate of 9. 31 for a tally of 661 runs in 13 matches which gives him the pride of place as the leading Indian opener in the 10-team league. The three overseas openers who have a superior scoring rate are Australian left-hander and Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Travis Head (11 matches, 533, 12.11), Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Sunil Narine (12 matches, 461, 10.98) and England and KKR opener Phil Salt (12 matches, 435 runs, 10.97). Kohli has one more match, wins it for his side and places it in contention for a playoff berth. Kohli has hit one century and five half-centuries this season and is the holder of the Orange Cap for being the highest run-getter. Travis Head, Chennai Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and a few more are in the running to displace Kohli for the Orange Cap. Kohli’s scoring rate in 242 IPL innings is 7.91, and as an opener, it is 8.29. Kohli is going through a remarkable phase in the League; his scoring rate of 9.31 is the best across all batting positions since the start in 2008. In 109 innings for India, his scoring rate is 8.29, which has gotten him into the all-time top 15 batters in the world. No wonder Chairman of the Selection Committee Ajit Agarkar said they don’t talk about Kohli’s scoring rate in Twenty20 matches or otherwise!