Srinagar: Former India All-rounder Irfan Pathan has continued his barrage of criticism against batting super star Virat Kohli after another Test failure from later.
Speaking to Star Sports, Pathan highlighted Kohli’s technical issues, his lack of participation in domestic cricket, and the impact of his poor form on the Indian team.
Kohli, one of India’s senior players, was among the biggest disappointments, managing just 190 runs at an average of 23.75 in eight innings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that Australia won 3-1.
“Many players had the opportunity to play domestic cricket, but they did not. Why is that happening? Because the culture has changed. We have to change the culture. We have to improve things for Indian cricket as a team,” Pathan said on Star Sports.
“For the Indian team in 2024, in the first innings, where you basically set up the match, Virat Kohli’s average is 15. And if you consider his average over the last five years, it’s not even 30. Does the Indian team deserve its senior player? Instead, give a youngster a chance. Tell him to get ready. He will also give an average of 25-30. This is about the team, not the individuals.”
“When was the last time Virat Kohli played domestic cricket? Even the great Sachin Tendulkar played Ranji Trophy when it wasn’t required of him, only because he wanted to spend that much time four or five days on the pitch,” Pathan stated, as quoted by Star Sports.
“You are getting out from the same mistake again and again. You are not creating a gap between two mistakes. You are not trying to fix the technical mistake,” he said, urging Kohli to seek guidance from experienced players like Sunil Gavaskar. “Sunny Sir is in the field. How long does it take to talk to Sunny Sir or someone?”