Virat Kohli’s scintillating form in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League reached new heights as he hammered a dazzling 92 runs off just 47 balls against the Punjab Kings on Thursday, 9th May.
Leading the run-scorers chart with an impressive tally of 634 runs in 12 matches, Kohli’s latest innings showcased a significant adaptation – the frequent use of the slog sweep against spinners. Speaking after clinching the Player-of-the-Match award, Kohli shed light on reintroducing this shot from his vast array of strokes to counter spin bowling.
“I’ve brought out the slog-sweep to the spinners,” Kohli stated, emphasizing his mental approach to execute the shot without prior practice. “I know I can hit it because I’ve hit it a lot in the past. So, I just felt like I need to take a bit more risk.”
This tactical adjustment, aimed at exploiting the off-side field against spin, has significantly contributed to Kohli’s success in the IPL, enhancing his strike rate and sustaining the team’s scoring momentum during the middle overs.
Despite amassing a plethora of runs, Kohli faced scrutiny over his strike rate and effectiveness against spin bowling in recent weeks. However, his stellar knock against Gujarat Titans, where he showcased the effectiveness of the slog sweep, silenced critics and reaffirmed his prowess in adapting to match situations.
Responding to critics, Kohli emphasized his primary objective of winning games for the team, rather than focusing solely on strike rates. “For me, it’s just about winning the game for the team,” he affirmed, dismissing detractors who questioned his approach.
As India gears up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, Kohli’s impressive form augurs well for the team’s prospects. With India set to commence their campaign against Ireland on 5th June, Kohli’s adeptness against spin bowling and his newfound weapon, the slog sweep, could prove instrumental in their quest for glory.
