Virat Kohli Hits Back: "My Name Used for T20 Promotion, But..." - Read His Response to Critics

Virat Kohli Hits Back: Virat Kohli is back where he belongs after a minor hiccup in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 204. As Kohli scored his 100th T20 fifty-plus, he once again displayed the same craftiness and class he has been known for, becoming the first Indian and overall only third player to do so in a match against Punjab Kings. With 11 fours and two sixes, he scored 77 runs in 49 balls, and he scored at a strike rate of over 157. Kohli was instrumental in RCB's four-wicket victory over PBKS.

Despite taking a two-month paternity leave, Kohli didn't forget to mention that he is 'The Face' of cricket, whether it be at the Olympics or in the T20 World Cup in the USA.

After getting the Orange Cap, Kohli opened up on his form. "[To the crowd] Don't get overexcited, it's just two games. I know what this (orange cap) means. [Love story with the crowd] It's been going on for years. People talk a lot about playing the sport. At the end of the day, you don't talk about the achievements, stats or numbers but the memories. It's what Rahul Dravid says. The friendship, love, appreciation, and backing has been amazing and is what you'll miss and never forget," he said.

In 378 appearances in T20s, Virat has scored 12,092 runs at an average of 41.26, with eight centuries and 92 fifties. His best score is 122*. He is India's leading run-getter in T20s and overall sixth. There was rumor that Kohli may not be selected for the T20 World Cup despite his scintillating 77.

According to him, he is still capable of performing in the shortest format.

"In T20, I'm opening, I try to give the team a blazing start. But when wickets start falling, you have to understand the conditions as well. The wicket wasn't as placid as normal here. It was a bit two-paced. Had to play correct cricketing shots, couldn't hit balls across the line. Tried a few, felt like I needed big hits at the other end, which didn't happen as Maxi and Anuj got out quickly. Disappointed not having finished it off. It was a slot ball that I sliced straight to deep point. Not a bad bad though playing after two months and getting into the tournament," he said.

"I had to, bowlers know I play the cover drive pretty well. So they won't allow me to hit gaps. Guys like KG and Arshdeep, if they are hitting length, you have to create momentum, once you're closer to the ball you negate the bounce. You have to come up with a game plan and try to keep improving. I know my name is often used to just promote the T20 game across the world when it comes to T20 cricket these days but still got it I guess."

According to The Telegraph, Virat was told by Agarkar he needed to change his approach in T20Is against Afghanistan. Kohli responded by batting more aggressively, but was only able to score 29.

Additionally, the report states that Kohli's natural game as a batter wouldn't be suited to the slow wickets in the West Indies, so the selection committee has been assessing its options for the showpiece.

While places in the T20 squad will be determined by the IPL 2024 campaign, a report claims that Ajit Agarkar has been asked to 'convince' Virat to make way for youngsters.

Check Out: Virat Kohli Makes History: First Indian To Score 12,000 Runs In T20 Cricket Matches