"Strength of a Lion Needed, Not..." - Mohammad Kaif Responds to Virat Kohli's Assertive Strike-Rate Comments

Former Indian all-rounder Mohammad Kaif showered praise on Royal Challengers Bangalore's stalwart batsman Virat Kohli and addressed recent criticisms regarding his strike rate following his impressive performance alongside Will Jacks, which left Gujarat Titans in disarray at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli reached the milestone of completing 500 runs for the seventh consecutive time as RCB secured a dominant 9-wicket victory. Kohli's brisk and unbeaten 70* played a pivotal role in RCB's triumph and silenced debates surrounding his strike rate.

Kaif commended the seasoned campaigner and emphasized Kohli's significance by recalling the crucial six he hit off Haris Rauf's delivery during India's clash against Pakistan in the previous T20 World Cup.

"Virat Kohli once again demonstrates that T20 cricket transcends beyond just strike rate. To strike Haris Rauf for a six at the World T20 in a packed MCG and seal the game, you need the heart of a lion, not just a high strike rate. Kohli embodies this ethos in the IPL," Kaif expressed on X.

During the match, the renowned 'chase master' Virat Kohli achieved a significant milestone in RCB's encounter against GT.

In his unbeaten innings of 70 runs from 44 balls, Kohli maintained an impressive strike rate of 159.09, marking his completion of 24 half-centuries while chasing targets, securing the second position in the list. Dhawan follows closely in third place with 23 fifty-plus scores. Meanwhile, David Warner leads the chart with 35 half-centuries while chasing targets.

The dynamic 133-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Will Jacks also etched their names in the record books, constituting the highest partnership against Gujarat Titans in IPL history. Conversely, Rajasthan Royals' Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag's 130-run partnership hold the second position in terms of the highest partnership scored against the Gujarat-based franchise.

Kohli also equaled David Warner's record for the most 500-plus runs in IPL seasons, with both Kohli and Warner surpassing the 500-run mark seven times in an IPL season.

Regarding the match, after restricting GT to bat first, Sai Sudharsan's blistering 86* and Shahrukh Khan's 58 powered the hosts to a competitive total of 200/3.

In response, following skipper Faf du Plessis's dismissal, Kohli and Jacks decimated GT's bowling unit with their unbeaten 166-run partnership, securing a commanding 9-wicket victory for RCB.

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