The past India round-turning comment Irfan Pathan he asked Virat KohliA role in the Indian Test team following a long absence. Kohli, who was once regarded as the leader of India's batting team, has endured one of the worst phases of his career, especially in the 2024-2025 season. Pathan's criticism has centered on Kohli's low numbers and the need for the Indian team to have a long-term approach to preparing the youngster instead.
Irfan Pathan portrays the struggle of Virat Kohli
Recently completed a grueling five-match series against AustraliaKohli managed to score 190 runs across nine innings at an average of 23.75, with the individual years in Perth being the only highlight. His struggles, especially when it comes to deliveries outside the off-stump, have been a recurring theme.
Pathan, speaking on Star Sports, indicated that Kohli will start at 15.63 in 2024 and his total decline from 2020. He added that a youngster given the chance to stay could be between 25-30, stressing that the needs of the team should come before the individual's age.
“In 2024, in the first place where the game was founded, Virat Kohli will only reach 15. If we take his numbers in the last five years, he will not reach 30. A great player? Instead, you give a chance to a youngster, give him time to prepare, even if he can be in the middle at 25-30. Because we are talking about the team here and not about individuals.” Pathan said.
“India needs social culture, not elite culture”: Panthani
Pathan also criticized Kohli's lack of participation in domestic matches, comparing it to the dedication shown by legends like. Sachin Tendulkarwho played home games even at the end of his career.
“India does not need a professional culture, it needs a collective culture. Tell me the last time Virat Kohli played domestic cricket while free? When did that happen? It's been almost ten years. Since then even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar played and retired. He didn't have to play, but even he came to play,” Pathan concluded.
Time for a change of scenery! 🌟 #IrfanPathan calls for an end to the elite culture, and emphasizes the importance of creating a strong team mentality in Indian cricket💬🇮🇳#AUSvINDOnStar #Tough Competition #WTC #WorldTestChampionship pic.twitter.com/YQ6TKJUXe4
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025
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Kohli's lack of form raises big questions
Since 2020, Kohli has scored 2028 runs from 39 matches at an average of 30.72, managing three centuries and fifty. His struggle has been more visible since 2024, collecting 440 runs from 11 games at a very low average of 23.15, with a century and a half to his name.
Kohli's Test batting average, which was the best in the world at 54.97 in 2019, has dropped to 46.85. His poor performance has put his place in the team under the microscope. With consistent failures in the opening stages of the innings and his inability to convert starts to big numbers, doubts have been raised whether Kohli can still deliver at the highest level.
The upcoming tour of England could be a defining moment for Kohli's Test career. It is a competition for young players like Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal is growing in strength, the Indian team management is faced with an important decision: continue to support Kohli or switch to a smaller, smaller team.