“They get out when you need them” Kapil Dev slams Rohit, Rahul, and Kohli’s batting approach in T20

Legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev made a big statement on India’s current top-order batters. He claims that the Indian team’s approach needs to change in the shorter format of the game. Since India is all set to begin the T20 series versus South Africa, the former cricketer shared some advice. Kapil Dev questioned KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli’s failure to perform in crucial matches. Moreover, he believes players with such a high reputation can score runs for the team at a strike rate of over 150 and give a good start.

Kapil Dev slams Rohit, Rahul, and Kohli’s batting approach in T20

“Reputation is quite big and maybe, the pressure is too much but that shouldn’t be the case. You have to play fearless cricket. All these players (Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul) can play at a 150-160 strike rate. They are such big players, but when the time comes to score runs, they all get out. We say that you can take your time in the starting 8-10-12 balls, but you get out after playing 25 balls. When the time comes to take off, you get out and hence the pressure starts building on you. Either you become the anchor or the striker. That needs to be decided by the players or the team.”

“I think the approach needs to be changed”

All eyes are on KL Rahul as he will be leading the Indian side in the SA series as some senior all-format players are rested. Kapil Dev suggests KL Rahul work on his strike rate as staying not out won’t do much good to the team if he fail to score quick runs.

“If you talk about KL Rahul, you need to talk to him about playing 20 overs and if he scores 80-90, then it is good enough. But if you play 20 overs, and you are coming back 60 not out then you are not doing justice to the team.” 

Moreover, he insists the Indian side change their approach in the shortest format. In addition, he expects reputed players to maximize on it and play some fearless cricket. The T20 WC 2022 will begin in October and this piece of advice can help India devise its strategies.

“I think the approach needs to change, if it doesn’t, then you would have to change the players. If they are big players, then they need to have a big impact on the team. You are not big just because of the name, but need to be big on performances. If you are a big name, then you should play cricket like that. Otherwise, we are here to talk about it.”