Before India vs. Pakistan, the Indian maestro receives strange advice: "Virat Kohli needs to tone down his strike rate slightly."

It was proposed by Mohammad Kaif that Virat Kohli should play at a strike rate of 130 against Pakistan in order to alter his strategy a little.

At Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, the stage is set for a thrilling match between India and Pakistan, two of the strongest rivals in cricket. Whether it's a group stage match or the tournament final, the stakes are always high when the two Asian titans square off because it's a battle of dominance and both teams want to claim bragging rights. The guy who has shone out in the tantalizing India vs. Pakistan matches over the last ten years is Virat Kohli. An Indian batting mastermind, Kohli thrives under duress and has saved his country many times when the cards were stacked against them.

Kohli has hammered 488 runs at an incredible average of 81.33 in 10 Twenty20 Internationals against Pakistan, including five half-centuries. When India and Pakistan play each other on Sunday, the 35-year-old will be vital to the outcome once more. However, the pitch—the New York surface—will present the biggest test for Kohli rather than the opposition bowlers, as the field has been monitored closely since the tournament began. Because of the surface's slowness, hitters have found it challenging to play their natural game.

In an unprecedented move, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has advised star batsman Virat Kohli to be less aggressive when batting in the Pakistan match. Kohli was dismissed for 1 against Ireland, hoping to get out of the shackles early.

Put Pakistan aside; Virat Kohli poses a threat to any team. It will not be simple for any side that plays against him to get him out. He will, in my opinion, need to somewhat curb his assertiveness. In the last game, he was only able to muster one run off of five deliveries before stepping down the wicket, getting a top edge, and getting out, Kaif stated on Star Sports.

Kaif went on to say that Kohli has been playing with some amazing form as he ended the 2024 Indian Premier League with 741 runs, the most of any player. Kohli batted with a strong strike rate from the powerplay.

"Virat Kohli is back in form and is getting better after an incredible IPL performance. He nearly reached 700 runs scored. We witnessed his dominance as he struck boundaries, played slog sweeps, and hammered sixes against spin while attacking on the powerplay, according to Kaif.

The veteran batsman, nevertheless, recommended that the Indian batting mastery play at a strike rate of 130 and alter his strategy somewhat against Pakistan.

"He can play every shot, but I think he should slightly lower his strike rate. Aim for a strike rate of about 130, but avoid going as high as 140 or 150. His job is to bat for 15 to 20 overs and score between 60 and 70 runs. Virat Kohli's bat will score 70 runs, which is an excellent knock. Play your shots, take your time in the beginning, and wait for the poor balls," he continued.