former India Multi-level and turned into a suspension Irfan Pathan He doubted Virat KohliHis position in the Indian Test team after his poor form for a long time. Kohli, who was once considered a staple in India's batting line-up, has been enduring one of the worst phases of his career, especially in the 2024-25 season. Pathan's criticism centered on Kohli's low numbers and the need for the Indian team to adopt a long-term approach by grooming a young player in his place.
Irfan Pathan highlights Virat Kohli's struggles
Recently It concluded a disastrous five-match Test series against AustraliaKohli managed to score just 190 runs across nine innings at an average of 23.75, with a solitary century in Perth being the highlight. His struggles, especially with deliveries outside the 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 also added that the young pacer who gets consistent chances can easily average between 25-30, stressing However, the interests of the team must take precedence over the status of the individual.
“In 2024, in the first innings where the game is set up, Virat Kohli is averaging just 15. If we take his numbers in the last five years, he is not even averaging 30. Is this what the Indian team deserves from its team? Player Big? Instead, you give regular opportunities to the youngster, and give him time to prepare, so he can average 25-30 because we are discussing the team here, not individuals. Pathan said.
“India needs a team culture, not a star 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 local matches even at the end of his career.
“India doesn't need a star 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 Then even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar played it and retired completely. He didn’t have to play, but he came to play too.” Pathan concluded.
It's time to turn on the lights! 🌟 #Irfan Pathan Calls for an end to star culture, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team-first mentality in Indian cricket💬🇮🇳#AUSvINDOnStar #The toughest competition #World Trade Center #World_Test_Championship pic.twitter.com/YQ6TKJUXe4
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025
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Kohli's decline raises serious questions
Since 2020, Kohli has scored 2,028 runs from 39 matches at an average of 30.72, and has managed just three centuries and nine fifties. His struggles have become more evident from 2024, as he amassed 440 runs from 11 matches at a much lower average of 23.15, with a century and two half-centuries to his name.
Kohli's Test batting average, which was 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 constant failures in the early stages of the innings and his inability to convert starts into big scores, doubts have emerged as to whether Kohli is still capable of performing 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 Yashavi Jaiswal As it grows stronger, the Indian team management faces a crucial decision: continue to support Kohli or shift towards a younger, fresher line-up.
