IPL 2023: Ravi Shastri suggests Virat Kohli to take inspiration from Phil Salt

Former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri has suggested RCB opener Virat Kohli to up the ante.

A huge debate around Virat Kohli’s batting started after Royal Challengers Bangalore’s loss against Delhi Capitals. Delhi Capitals, with a blistering knock by Phil Salt chased down RCB’s 182 runs target in 17 overs. Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 181 runs on the board after batting first. Virat Kohli contributed with 55 runs in that score. He took 46 balls in his innings and scored just 55 runs, his strike rate was 119.56 in that game. RCB’s loss started a debate around his approach in the last few games. Now, one of his ardent admirers Ravi Shastri has also given him a few suggestions about keeping his intent clear in the game. Salt smacked 87 runs in just 45 balls. 

Shastri suggests Virat to up the ante

Former India coach and Virat Kohli’s main man when he was captain, Ravi Shastri has suggested that Virat Kohli should take inspiration from Phil Salt. Ravi Shastri said, “Once you get the tempo, don’t worry about the others. That will be my message to Virat. In a T20 game, you don’t need that many batters. If you are hot, keep that going. If you get going, do not change your tempo, try to up the ante”. Citing Salt’s example he further added, “Prime example was Phil Salt, Once he got into the groove, he didn’t let go. This is something that could be looked at from Virat’s point of view”. Virat could only hit 5 fours in his inning against Delhi Capitals. 

Former RCB captain Virat Kohli also completed his 7000 runs in the Indian Premier League. Virat is the only batter to score 7000 runs or more in the IPL. Virat has faced criticism for his approach in the IPL 2023. Previously, Simon Doull had criticised Virat Kohli for his approach when nearing a milestone. Later on, Virat Kohli replied by saying ‘anchor role’ in the innings. Virat in this IPL has scored 419 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 135.16 and has smashed 6 half-centuries. Virat started well, but as the season progresses his strike rate is slightly dipping.