Irfan Pathan has launched a scathing attack on India’s cricketing culture, specifically calling out the superstar mentality that has taken root within the national team after they lost the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia.
The former Indian all-rounder pointed out that India does not need superstars like Virat Kohli, but a team culture to succeed. Pathan further noted that Indian players should be committed to playing domestic cricket, a key aspect that has been lacking in the top ranks.
Irfan Pathan destroys Indian cricket’s superstar culture after Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 debacle.
Irfan Pathan also criticized Virat Kohli for ignoring domestic cricket after his disastrous tour of Australia. Notably, the former India captain last played domestic cricket in 2012, and despite struggling with the bat and despite being free, refused to return to Delhi.
The commentator further mentioned that even legends like Sachin Tendulkar, despite being one of the greatest ever to play the game, understood the importance of domestic cricket and played it regularly, as playing Test cricket without practice will always be challenging.
Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports, “India does not need a superstar culture. India needs a team culture. Tell me, when did Virat Kohli play domestic cricket? Even when he was free, when did that happen? How long has it been? Even Sachin Tendulkar played. He didn’t need it, but he also came to play because he had to stand on the field, on the field for 4 days and come back in the second shift.”
Irfan Pathan questions Virat Kohli’s need for the Indian cricket team
The former Indian cricketer said that it is not about the runs that Virat Kohli has scored over the years, but in 2024, in the first innings where the match is set, he averaged 15 and in the last 5 years he did not even average 30 Pathan then went on to ask, “Does the Indian team deserve a senior player?”
Irfan Pathan has urged the Indian selectors to give regular opportunities to youngsters to prepare a core team for the future if they only want an average of 15-20 from players of Kohli’s calibre. Pathan emphasized that he is not “degrading” the former Indian captain, nor is he saying that he did not make runs, but that it is all about the success of the Indian cricket team, not individuals.
The former Indian all-rounder and cricket expert admitted that Virat Kohli has done a great job for Team India over the years but in the last few years his numbers have dropped drastically and it is really worrying for the national team to continue with him without any improvement.
Irfan Pathan condemns Virat Kohli’s attitude
Pathan criticized Kohli for being arrogant and showing attitude despite repeated mistakes in the recent Test series against Australia. He mentioned that Kohli could have easily asked for help, as there were a lot of legends in Australia, including Sunil Gavaskar, but he didn’t feel important enough to ask for advice and even showed no progress and hard work.
Irfan Pathan further remarked, “He has done many wonders for India. He held many games winning. But you keep making the same mistake over and over again. You’re doing the same thing again. Don’t make a gap between two mistakes. You are not trying to fix the technical error that Sunny sir was talking about.
Sunny The Lord is here in the field. How long is the conversation with him? How long does it take to talk to a big player and ask him, what can I do, sir? It takes a lot of work to correct that invisible error.”
It’s time to shift the spotlight! 🌟 #IrfanPathan calls for an end to superstar culture, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team mentality in Indian cricket💬🇮🇳#AUSvINDOnStar #Toughest rivalry #WTC #World Testing Championship pic.twitter.com/YQ6TKJUXe4
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025
