Irfan Pathan has launched a scathing attack on India’s cricket culture, particularly denouncing 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 has pointed out that India does not need superstars like Virat Kohli but a team culture to succeed. Pathan further pointed out that Indian players should dedicate themselves to playing domestic cricket, which is a crucial aspect that has been missing from the top ranks.

Irfan Pathan slams 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 Indian captain last played domestic cricket in 2012 and despite struggling with the bat and being free, he refused to return to the Delhi team.

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The commentator further mentioned that even legends like Sachin Tendulkar, despite being one of the greatest to ever play the sport, understood the importance of domestic cricket and played it regularly as playing Test cricket without practice will always be a challenge.

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? Sachin Tendulkar also played. I didn’t need it, but I also came to play because I had to spend 4 days on the court, on the field and return in the second inning.”

Irfan Pathan questions Virat Kohli’s need for Indian cricket team

The former Indian cricketer said that it is not about the runs that Virat Kohli scored over the years, but in 2024, in the first innings, where the match takes place, he averaged 15, and in the last 5 years he hasn’t even averaged 30. Pathan then asked, “Does the Indian team deserve a senior player?”

Irfan Pathan urged Indian selectors to give opportunities to youngsters regularly to prepare a core team for the future if they only want an average of 15-20 from a player of Kohli’s caliber. Pathan stressed that he is not “degrading” the former Indian captain, nor saying that he did not make runs, but this is about the success of the Indian cricket team, not the individuals.

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The former Indian cricket expert and all-rounder admitted that Virat Kohli has done an excellent job for the Indian team over the years, but in the last few years, his numbers have dropped drastically, and that is really worrying for the national team. continue with it. without any improvement.

Irfan Pathan analyzes Virat Kohli’s attitude

Pathan criticized Kohli for being arrogant and showing attitude despite his repeated mistakes in the recent Test series against Australia. He mentioned that Kohli could have easily asked for help as there were many legends in Australia including Sunil Gavaskar but he did not feel important enough to seek advice and even did not show any improvement or hard work.

Irfan Pathan further noted, “He has done many wonders for India. He has put in many match-winning performances. But you’re making the same mistake over and over again. You’re doing the same thing again. You are not making a gap between two errors. He is not trying to correct the technical error that Sunny sir also talked about.

Mr. Sunny is here in the field. How long does it take to talk to him? How long does it take to talk to a great player and ask him: What can I do, sir? “It takes a lot of work to correct that error, which is not visible.”

It’s time to change the focus! 🌟 #IrfanPathan calls for an end to superstar culture and emphasizes 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