Superstar culture is killing Indian Cricket: Irfan Pathan launches scathing attack on 'arrogant' Virat Kohli

Irfan Pathan has launched a scathing attack on India's cricketing culture, particularly calling out the superstar mentality that has taken root within the national team after they lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 to Australia.

The former Indian all-rounder has pointed out that India doesn't need superstars like Virat Kohli, but rather a team culture to succeed. Pathan further noted that the Indian players should be dedicated to playing domestic cricket, which is a crucial aspect that has been missing from the top ranks.

Irfan Pathan blasts Indian Cricket’s superstar culture after Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 debacle

Irfan Pathan also slammed Virat Kohli for ignoring the domestic cricket following his disastrous Australia tour. Notably, the former Indian skipper last played domestic cricket in 2012, and despite struggling with the bat and despite being free, he refused to return to the Delhi side.

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The commentator further mentioned that even legends like Sachin Tendulkar, despite being one of the greatest to ever play the game, understood the importance of domestic cricket and regularly played, as playing Test cricket without practice is always going to be challenging.

Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports: “India doesn't need superstar culture. India needs 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 also played. He didn't need it, but he also used to come and play because he had to stand on the pitch, field for 4 days, and come back in the second inning.”

Irfan Pathan questions Virat Kohli's need for the Indian cricket team

The former Indian cricketer said that it’s not about the runs Virat Kohli 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 has not even averaged 30. Pathan then went on to ask, “Does the Indian team deserve a senior player?”

Irfan Pathan urged the Indian selectors to give chances to youngsters regularly to prepare a core team for the future if they just 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 didn't make runs, but it’s all about the success of the Indian cricket team, not individuals.

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The former Indian all-rounder and cricket pundit admitted that Virat Kohli has done a terrific job for Team India over the years, but for the past few years, his numbers drastically dropped down, and that’s really concerning for the national side to continue with him without any improvement.

Irfan Pathan takes a dig at Virat Kohli's attitude

Pathan slammed 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 a lot of legends in Australia, including Sunil Gavaskar, but he didn’t feel important enough to seek advice and even didn’t show any improvement and hard work.

Irfan Pathan further noted, “He has done a lot of wonders for India. He has given a lot of match-winning performances. But you are making the same mistake again and again. You are doing the same thing again. You are not making a gap between two mistakes. You are not trying to fix the technical mistake that Sunny sir also spoke about.

Sunny sir 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, What can I do, sir? It takes a lot of hard work to fix that mistake, which is not visible.”

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