Irfan Pathan has launched a scathing attack on India's cricketing culture, specifically evoking the superstar mentality that has taken root in the national team after losing the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia.
The former Indian all-rounder emphasized that India does not need superstars like Virat Kohli but rather a team culture to succeed. Pathan also mentioned that Indian players should be committed to playing domestic cricket, which is a crucial aspect that has been missing from the top ranks.
Irfan Pathan attacks Indian Cricket's superstar culture after 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy debacle
Irfan Pathan also slammed Virat Kohli for ignoring domestic cricket following his disastrous tour of Australia. Notably, the former Indian captain last played domestic cricket in 2012 and despite batting issues and being free, refused to return to the Delhi side.
The commentator further mentioned that even legends like Sachin Tendulkar, despite being one of the greatest ever to play the game, understood the importance of domestic cricket and played regularly as the game of Test cricket without training will always be a challenge.
Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports, “India does not need superstar culture. India needs team culture. Tell me, when did Virat Kohli play domestic cricket? Even when he was free, when did this happen? How much time has passed? Sachin Tendulkar also played. He didn't need to, but he also came to play because he had to stay on the field, on the field for 4 days and come back in the second half.”
Irfan Pathan questions Virat Kohli's need for the Indian cricket team
The former Indian cricketer said that it is not about the runs that Virat Kohli has scored over the years, but in 2024, in the first innings where the match is decided, he has averaged 15 and in the last 5 years he didn't even average 30. Pathan went on to ask, “Does the Indian team deserve a senior player?”
Irfan Pathan has urged the Indian selectors to give chances to youngsters on a regular basis to prepare a core team for the future if they only want an average of 15-20 from a player of Kohli's calibre. Pathan stressed that he is not “downgrading” the former Indian captain or saying he did not make runs, but it is all about the success of the Indian cricket team, not individuals.
The former Indian all-rounder and cricket expert admitted that Virat Kohli has done a great job for Team India over the years, but in the last few years, his numbers have dropped drastically and that is very worrying for the national team to continue with him. without any improvement.
Irfan Pathan takes Virat Kohli's attitude to heart
Pathan criticized Kohli for being arrogant and showing attitude despite his repeated mistakes in the recent Test series against Australia. He mentioned that Kohli could have easily asked for help as there were a lot of legends in Australia including Sunil Gavaskar but he didn't feel important enough to ask for advice and he didn't even show any improvement and hard work .
Irfan Pathan also said, “He has done many wonders for India. He gave a lot of winning performances. But you make the same mistake over and over again. You do the same thing again. You don't make a gap between two mistakes. Don't try to fix the technical mistake that Mr. Sunny also talked about.
Mr. Sunny is here in the field. How long does it take to talk to him? How long does it take to talk to a great player and ask: what can i do sir It takes a lot of hard work to fix this mistake, which is not visible.”
Time to change the spotlight! 🌟 #IrfanPathan calls for an end to superstar culture, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team mentality in Indian cricket💬🇮🇳#AUSvINDOnStar #ToughestRivalry #WTC #WorldTestChampionship pic.twitter.com/YQ6TKJUXe4
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025