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Former India versatile commentator Irfan Pathan disputed Virat Kohli‘s position in the Indian Test team after his prolonged poor form. Kohli, once considered a lynchpin of the Indian batting line-up, has been going through one of the worst phases of his career, especially in the 2024-25 season. Pathan’s criticism has focused on Kohli’s declining numbers and the need for the Indian team to take a long-term approach by grooming a youngster in his place.
Irfan Pathan highlights Virat Kohli’s fight
In the recently concluded a disastrous five-match Test series against AustraliaKohli managed to score just 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75, with a solitary century in Perth being the only highlight. His problems, particularly with deliveries thrown outside off stump, have become a recurring problem.
Pathan, while speaking on Star Sports, pointed out Kohli’s first innings average of just 15.63 in 2024 and his overall decline since 2020. He further added that a youngster given consistent opportunities could easily average between 25 and 30. , emphasizing that the interests of the team should take priority over an individual’s stature.
“In 2024, in the first innings in which the game is being prepared, Virat Kohli averages only 15. If we take away his numbers of the last five years, he does not even average 30. Is this what the Indian team deserves for its senior player ? Instead, you give a young man regular opportunities, you give him time to prepare, even he can average 25-30. Because here we are arguing about the team, not about individuals.” Pathan said.
“India needs a team culture, not a superstar culture”: Pathan
Pathan also criticized Kohli’s lack of involvement in domestic cricket, comparing it to the commitment shown by legends like Sachin Tendulkarwho played national matches even towards the end of his career.
“India doesn’t need a superstar culture, it needs a team culture. Tell me, when was the last time Virat Kohli played domestic cricket when he was free? When was the last time that happened? It’s been almost a decade. Since then, even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar played it and retired completely. He didn’t have to play, but even he came to play.” Pathan concluded.
It’s time to change the focus! 🌟 #IrfanPathan calls for an end to superstar culture and emphasizes the importance of building a strong team-first mentality in Indian cricket💬🇮🇳#AUSvINDOnStar #ToughestRivalry #WTC #WorldTestChampionship pic.twitter.com/YQ6TKJUXe4
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025
Also READ: Fans furious with Gautam Gambhir as Australia claim historic Test win against India in Sydney
Kohli’s deterioration raises serious questions
Since 2020, Kohli has scored 2028 runs in 39 matches at an average of 30.72, scoring just three centuries and nine fifties. His struggles have become more evident since 2024, amassing 440 runs in 11 matches at a significantly lower average of 23.15, with a century and a half to his name.
Kohli’s Test batting average, which was once among the best in the world at 54.97 in 2019, has now fallen to 46.85. His prolonged poor form has put his place in the team under the microscope. With consistent failures in the initial phases of the innings and his inability to convert openings into substantial scores, doubts have been raised over whether Kohli can still deliver at the highest level.
The upcoming tour of England could prove to be a defining moment in Kohli’s Test career. With competition from younger players like Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal Growing stronger, the Indian team management faces a critical decision: continue to back Kohli or switch to a younger, fresher lineup.
