Chandigarh, January 5, 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): Former fast bowler Irfan Pathan, calling for the end of the superstar culture in the Indian team, questioned Virat Kohli’s place in the team. He said that Kohli did not play domestic cricket nor did he work hard to fix his technical flaws. Kohli and Rohit Sharma were in poor form throughout the series against Australia, and India lost 1-3, missing the opportunity to reach the final of the World Test Championship.
Pathan told Star Sports, “The superstar culture needs to end, the team culture is necessary.” You need to improve your performance. Even before this series, there were matches for you and your team, and they had the opportunity to play domestic cricket, but they didn’t play. This culture needs to change.”
Irfan also mentioned that Sachin Tendulkar played in the Ranji Trophy, although he didn’t need to as he wanted to spend four or five days on the pitch. Pathan said, “When was the last time Virat Kohli played domestic cricket? More than a decade ago. In 2024, his average in the first innings was 15. In the last five years, it hasn’t even been 30. Should such seniors be in the Indian team? It would be better to give the chance to a young player who will consistently score 25-30 runs.”
Pathan said, “When we talk about Kohli, he has done a lot for India, great performances, but he keeps getting out on the same mistakes repeatedly. You’re not even trying to fix this technical flaw. Sunny Sir (Gavaskar) is here. Let me tell you, Kohli has only scored 190 runs in 9 innings and has repeatedly been caught out on balls going outside the off stump.”