Simon Doull says he receives 'death threats' for criticising Virat Kohli
India's veteran finished as the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull revealed that he has been receiving death threats for his criticism of India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli.
Doull was one of several former players who had criticised Kohli for his batting strike rate during the initial phase of IPL 2024 but the 35-year-old showed his different side after a few matches, ending the season with a strike rate of 154.70, the highest he has ever maintained in an IPL season.
The 54-year-old changed his opinion after the early part of the season, even stating that Kohli was the best batter of the season in his view. Doull also disclosed the downside of criticising a player like Kohli due to the following Indian veteran has in his country.
“I see a phenomenal player, a player who should be dominating more than what he was. That's what I talk about (when I mention) his strike rate. I felt that he was afraid to get out because he was worried about what is behind him rather than (saying), 'I'm so good'. It is the same thing I said about Babar [Azam] and I had a chat with him after I talked about it in Pakistan and he said that his coaches told him the same thing. What I loved about (Kohli) this year was the intent to hit sixes,” said Doull on Cricbuzz.
“He is too good to worry about getting out and that was always my point. I have said a thousand great things about Virat Kohli but I say one thing negative or construed to be negative, and I get death threats. That's the shame of it,” he added.
Doull also remarked that he always had good chats with Kohli whenever they met.
“There has never been an issue and I would never have a reason to have personal problems. When I look at the game and the way it has moved, particularly with the impact sub, a strike rate of 130-135 didn't cut it any more,” he added.
Remember, Kohli bagged the Orange Cap after amassing 741 runs at a strike rate of 154.70 and an average of 61.75, including five centuries and one century.
He smashed 38 sixes, equalling his record from 2016 for the most he has hit in a single season. His next highest is 23, and his tally of sixes this season surpasses what he achieved in the last three seasons combined.
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