Past India comprehensive commentator Irfan Pathan was questioned Virat Kohliposition in the Indian Test team after a prolonged period of poor form. Kohli, who was once considered the linchpin of India’s batting line-up, has had one of the worst phases of his career, especially in the 2024-25 season. Pathan’s criticism is based on Kohli’s declining numbers and the need for the Indian team to take a long-term approach by grooming a young replacement.
Irfan Pathan highlights Virat Kohli’s struggles
Recently It ended a disastrous five-match Test series against AustraliaKohli managed to score just 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75, the only highlight being a single century in Perth. His struggles, especially with off-stump deliveries, have become a recurring problem.
Speaking to Star Sports, Pathan pointed to Kohli’s first-innings average of just 15.63 in 2024 and his overall decline since 2020. He then added that given consistent opportunities, a youngster could easily average between 25-30 and emphasized that the team’s interests are needed. to take precedence over the power of the individual.
“Virat Kohli scores only 15 in first innings when the game is set in 2024. If we take out his figures from the last five years, he doesn’t even average 30. Does Team India deserve this game? a great player? You give a regular chance to a youngster instead , you give him time to prepare, even it can be 25-30 on average, because we are not discussing individuals here, but the team.” 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. Sachin Tendulkareven playing domestic matches towards the end of his career.
“India needs a team culture, not a superstar culture. Tell me the last time Virat Kohli played domestic cricket when he was released? When was the last time? Almost ten years have passed. Since then, even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar has played it and retired completely. He didn’t have to play, but he came to play.” Pathan concluded.
Time to change focus! 🌟 #IrfanPathan Stressing the importance of building a strong team mentality in Indian cricket, he calls for an end to the superstar culture💬🇮🇳#AUSvINDOnStar #Toughest Competition #WTC #WorldTrialChampionship pic.twitter.com/YQ6TKJUXe4
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025
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Kohli’s declining form raises serious questions
Since 2020, Kohli has scored 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72 from 39 matches, managing a total of three centuries and nine fifties. His struggles have become more evident since 2024, amassing 440 runs from 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 one of the best in the world at 54.97 in 2019, has now fallen to 46.85. His long run of poor form 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 into significant scores, there were doubts whether Kohli could still perform at the highest level.
The upcoming England tour could be a defining moment in Kohli’s Test career. With the competition of young players Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal the management of the resurgent Indian team is faced with a critical decision: continue to support Kohli or switch to a younger, fresher squad.
