Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed Virat Kohli to be the leading run-scorer in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), starting March 22. IPL 2024 marks the return of Virat Kohli on the cricket field after the star batter decided to skip the England Test series, citing personal issues. Kohli's wife and bollywood actress Anushka Sharma gave birth to the couple's second child last month in London, and the former India captain decided to be with his wife during the period.
Speaking on Club Prairie Fire podcast, Vaughan said while Rohit Sharma, who will be playing under Hardik Pandya's captaincy in IPL 2024, will have the highest strike rate in the season, he tipped Kohli to bag the 'Orange Cap' which is awarded to the leading run-scorer of IPL.
"Rohit Sharma will have the best strike rate in IPL 2024 but Virat Kohli will be the leading run-scorer," Vaughan said.
However, former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist didn't agree with Vaughan, and backed Rajasthan Royals' Yashasvi Jaiswal to bag the top honours among the batters.
Virat has not played any competitive cricket since the two T20I matches of the three-match series against Afghanistan in January. With the IPL just a few days away, the fans are no doubt excited to see Virat back on the cricketing field, wearing the Red and Gold colours of the franchise.
Virat is the highest run-getter in IPL of all time. In 237 matches and 229 innings, Virat has scored 7.263 runs at an average of 37.24, with a strike rate of 130.02. His best score is 113. He has scored seven centuries, most by a batter and 50 fifties in his IPL career.
Last season, Virat was the fourth-highest run-getter, piling up 639 runs at an average of 53.25 and at a strike rate of 139.82. His best score was 101*. The 35-year-old scored two centuries and six fifties but could not take his side to the playoffs.
RCB open their campaign on Friday against the Chennai Super Kings on the road.