Virat Kohli does not deserve place in team: Irfan Pathan

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan feels it is time for the Indian cricket team management to take some harsh calls. The ex-cricketer turned commentator suggested that head coach Gautam Gambhir and selectors should back a youngster in place of star batter Virat Kohli, who’s been struggling to perform. India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 and Kohli’s performance has raised many fingers. He could only score 190 runs in 9 innings which makes his average of 23.75 in the five-match series.

Following Kohli’s continued struggles, Pathan criticized the star batter, drawing attention to his poor first-innings average. Pathan also highlighted Kohli’s declining numbers in the post-COVID era, remarking that even a young player could average between 25-30 if given regular opportunities.

“In 2024, in the first innings where the game is set up, Virat Kohli averages just 15. If we take out his numbers in the last five years, he doesn’t even average 30. Is this what the Indian team deserves from his senior player? Instead of him, you give regular chances to a youngster, give him time to get prepared, even he can average 25-30. Because we are discussing about the team here not the individuals,” said Pathan on Star Sports.

“India don’t need superstar culture, they need team culture. Tell me the last time when Virat Kohli played domestic cricket when he was free? When was the last time it happened? It has almost been a decade. Since then even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar played it and has retired altogether. He didn’t have to play, but even he came to play,” he added.