Virat Kohli and the Indian batting lineup endured a dismal tour of Australia, with their struggles evident throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli, who started the series on a promising note with a century in the second innings of the Perth Test, failed to maintain consistency. In the following games, the 36-year-old couldn’t cross the 50-run mark, with his vulnerability against deliveries outside the off stump glaringly apparent.
Eight of his nine dismissals during the series were a result of edging such deliveries, exposing a recurring flaw in his technique. Over nine innings, Kohli amassed just 190 runs at a disappointing average of 23.75. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan attributed Kohli’s struggles, and those of the other batters, to the diminishing role of domestic cricket in the preparation of senior players. Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan emphasized the need for a cultural shift in Indian cricket.
“Many players had the opportunity to play domestic cricket, but they didn’t. Why is that happening? The culture has changed, and we must address it. When was the last time Virat Kohli played domestic cricket? Even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar played Ranji Trophy when it wasn’t required, just to spend quality time on the pitch,” Irfan Pathan observed.
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Kohli’s dip in form in Test cricket has been evident over the years. Since 2019, he has scored only three centuries, with his Test average dropping from an impressive 54.97 in 2019 to 46.85 in 2025. Pathan pointed out Kohli’s inability to adapt, highlighting his repeated dismissals to the same mistakes.
Time to shift the spotlight! 🌟 #IrfanPathan calls for an end to the superstar culture, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team-first mentality in Indian cricket💬🇮🇳#AUSvINDOnStar #ToughestRivalry #WTC #WorldTestChampionship pic.twitter.com/YQ6TKJUXe4
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025
“For the Indian team in 2024, Kohli’s average in the first innings, where matches are often set up, is just 15. Over the last five years, his average is under 30. If that’s the case, why not give a youngster a chance? They could deliver the same numbers, and it would benefit the team’s future,” Irfan Pathan argued.
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He further criticized Kohli for not addressing his technical flaws despite having access to cricketing greats like Sunil Gavaskar. “When you keep getting out the same way, it’s clear something is amiss. Why not consult Sunny Sir or someone else who can help? It’s about making the effort to bridge the gap between mistakes,” Irfan Pathan concluded.
Pathan’s remarks underscore a larger conversation about accountability, adaptability, and prioritizing team success over individual legacies in Indian cricket.
