Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull recently opened up about the backlash he faced after criticising Indian cricket star Virat Kohli. Doull expressed his admiration for Kohli but also highlighted areas where he believed the player could improve. Doull revealed that after he talked about Kohli's weaknesses on TV, he started receiving death threats. 

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Simon Doull reveals the dark side of criticising Virat Kohli

Simon Doull, who was part of the commentary panel for IPL 2024, criticised Virat Kohli's strike rate in the shortest format of the game. Kohli has been a consistent performer with the bat across all formats but has often received criticism for his strike rate in T20s. Doull also spoke about the same issue before the start of IPL 2024, following which die-hard Virat Kohli fans may have abused him online. 

"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 was behind him rather than saying, 'I'm so good'," Simon Doull remarked. 

Simon Doull praised Virat Kohli's aggressive intent in IPL 2024, particularly his willingness to hit sixes. "What I loved about Kohli this year was the intent to hit sixes," he said, underscoring the positive aspects of Kohli's game.

However, Simon Doull revealed the darker side of being a commentator and critic. "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 lamented. 

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Virat Kohli, however, proved his critics wrong as he finished the IPL 2024 as the highest run-scorer with 741 runs in 15 innings. He scored these runs with a strike rate of 154.69, a much-improved rate as per his standard. Despite Kohli's performance throughout the season, RCB once again failed to win the IPL trophy. Royal Challengers Bengaluru were knocked out of the tournament after they lost the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals.   

Virat Kohli will next be seen in action during the T20 World Cup 2024. He will represent Team India probably for the last time in T20 World Cup. India will play their opening match of the tournament against Ireland on June 5.