Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has sparked a heated debate by questioning Virat Kohli’s place in the Indian cricket team, citing his lackluster performance in recent matches and his reluctance to participate in domestic cricket. Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan highlighted Kohli’s struggles during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where the star batter managed just 190 runs across nine innings.
Pathan emphasized the need to prioritize team culture over the “superstar culture” that he believes has taken root in Indian cricket.
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“Time to End Superstar Culture”
According to Pathan, Kohli’s repeated technical flaws, coupled with his absence from domestic cricket, raise serious concerns.
- “We need to end superstar culture and focus on team culture,” said Pathan.
- He pointed out that even legends like Sachin Tendulkar played Ranji Trophy matches to refine their skills, a commitment he feels Kohli lacks.
Kohli’s Declining Numbers
Pathan didn’t shy away from analyzing Kohli’s declining stats:
- Kohli hasn’t played a domestic first-class match since 2012.
- His average in the first innings of Test matches in the past five years is below 30.
- In 2024, Kohli’s first-innings average was a concerning 15.
“Does the Indian team deserve its senior player averaging less than 30 over five years? Maybe it’s time to give a youngster the opportunity to grow,” Pathan asserted.
Technical Flaws and Lack of Improvement
Pathan also criticized Kohli for failing to address his repeated mistakes:
- “He’s getting out the same way repeatedly, and there’s no visible effort to fix the technical flaws.”
- Pathan suggested that Kohli could seek advice from experienced cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar but questioned whether the batter was willing to make those efforts.
Kohli’s Legacy vs. Current Reality
While acknowledging Kohli’s contributions to Indian cricket, Pathan stressed the need for consistent performance.
- “This is about the team, not the individual. A youngster might also average 25–30, but they’ll gain valuable experience.”
A Turning Point for Team India?
The comments come after India’s 1-3 loss to Australia in the Test series, which also cost them a spot in the World Test Championship final. Pathan’s bold statements reflect a growing sentiment that accountability and performance, rather than reputation, should determine a player’s place in the team.
The debate on Kohli’s role is likely to continue, with fans and experts divided over whether he deserves more time to rediscover his form or if it’s time for India to move on.