Former Pakistan cricket team fast bowler Junaid Khan launched a fresh attack on Virat Kohli after the star batsman was dismissed for just 3 runs during the IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians on Thursday. Kohli’s strike rate has been the talk of the tournament so far and Junaid Khan reignited the conversation by taking to X (formerly Twitter) and posting “Strike rate 33.33”. The post was about Kohli’s 9-ball 3 against Mumbai Indians before he was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah who bowled sensationally.

Strike rate 33.33#RCBvsMI

— Junaid Khan (@JunaidkhanREAL) 11 April 2024

Earlier, Junaid Khan was highly critical of Kohli despite the RCB batsman’s unbeaten century against Rajasthan Royals. Kohli scored 113 runs but his intent and strike rate became the subject of debate among fans as well as experts. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Junaid wrote: “Congratulations to Virat Kohli on the slowest 100 in IPL history”.

Kohli scored 113 off 72 balls with 4 sixes and 12 fours but it was indeed the slowest century in the history of the competition alongside Manish Pandey.

Slowest Centuries in IPL History

1. Virat Kohli: 67 balls vs Rajasthan Royals, 2024

2. Manish Pandey: 67 balls vs Deccan Chargers, 2009

3. Sachin Tendulkar: 66 balls vs Kochi Tuskers Kerala, 2011

4. David Warner: 66 balls vs KKR, 2010

5. Jos Buttler – 66 balls vs MI, 2022

However, many experts have also come out in support of Kohli and legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara clarified that there is no possibility of Kohli not being included in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.

“Strike rate depends on the position, and for an opener a strike rate of 130-140 is fine. But if you are coming in the middle order, you may need to hit up to 150 or 160. As you see In this IPL, batsmen are reaching 200 in the latter part of the innings,” Lara said during the Star Sports press room which was also attended by former India batsman Ambati Rayudu.

“But an opener like Kohli always has the opportunity to start with 130, bat in overs and finish with 160 or more, which is fine” But if you ask me, the World Cup India’s top three should be Rohit Sharma, Virat. Kohli and Shubman Gill regardless. And for RCB, it shouldn’t be about one person, because it’s a team effort,” Lara added.