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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a recent post-match analysis, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan vehemently defended Virat Kohli's performance against Gujarat Titans in a IPL 2024 fixture. Amidst mounting criticism over Kohli's strike-rate, Pathan asserted that the focus should remain on Kohli's match-winning capabilities rather than scrutinizing his scoring rate.

Addressing the media on Star Sports, Pathan emphasized Kohli's indispensable role in the team and stressed the significance of considering both his strike-rate and average. Pathan further lamented the unwarranted scrutiny surrounding Kohli's performance, stating his belief in Kohli's ability to deliver as a match-winner.

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"Talking of specifically for Virat Kohli, you know this innings actually showed the world again that, it doesn't matter what strike-rate he plays. He wants his team to win, and that's why sometimes he's going to play slow, but he always wants to play according to the situation." "It's good news for Virat Kohli, good news for RCB, but in long-term, great news for Team India because you know a lot of chatter has been there around for Virat Kohli's strike-rate and his form. You have to just make it strike-rate plus average. He's got an orange cap on his hand, 500 runs, outstanding," said Pathan.

Disappoints me: Pathan on Kohli strike-rate criticism

"And I don't understand where all the talks of strike-rate come in. It actually disappoints me, ask you those questions. I've been actually talking about it from the day one. Don't question that because he's a big match player. He always wins you games. And today look what he did. Look, it was a slow start. He played down the ground really well. He played the slog sweep really well as well. And this shot sweep shot. He doesn't play that much, but he played all around today, and that is why he's able to get that success," said Pathan.

Currently, Kohli leads the Orange Cap charts with an impressive strike-rate of 147.49, accompanied by a stellar average of 71.43, underscoring his invaluable contribution to RCB's campaign. Amidst ongoing debates, Pathan's remarks serve as a staunch defence of Kohli's prowess and emphasize the broader context of his contributions to the team's success.

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Kohli's unbeaten 70-run knock played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) triumph over Gujarat Titans, with Will Jacks also contributing significantly with a blazing century. Following the match, Kohli, along with Pathan, expressed disdain towards those questioning his strike-rate, emphasizing that his primary objective is to secure victories for his team while adapting to the game's demands.