Former India fast-bowling all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a scathing remark on Virat Kohli who has had a poor run in the 2024-25 season. Barring the century in Perth Test, Kohli got caught behind the stumps as his struggle with deliveries pitching outside off stump persisted. He managed to score 190 runs from nine innings at an average of 23.75. Pathan questioned Kohli's place in the team considering his record in the last five years.
"In the first innings of Tests in 2024, where the match is set by a batter, Virat Kohli averages 15. Kohli's average in the last 5 years is not even 30. Does the Indian team deserve this for their senior player? Instead of this, give a youngster consistent rope, even he will give an average of 25-30. This is about the team, not an individual," cricketer-turned commentator Pathan said on Star Sports during a conversation with Sunil Gavaskar.
Gavaskar on January 4 in an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak said that selectors have to see the way ahead. They need to pick the players considering who would be around for the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
"As a non-decision maker, I believe it’s up to the selection committee to decide the way forward. Ajit Agarkar is someone who will make the right decision for Indian cricket. What I’ve been emphasising over the last 8–10 days is that we need to consider who will be available for the 2027 World Test Championship final. The new cycle begins with the England series in June, and it’s important to assess which players are likely to be around in 2027. This should guide the selection process," Gavaskar exclusively told Sports Tak.
Gavaskar on Kohli's repeated troubles
India failed to make it to their third consecutive WTC final berth. They finished third on the points table with a win percentage of 50. Gavaskar feels that Kohli's issue is more temperamental than technical which leads to such dismissals on a regular basis.
"It’s not a temperament issue; it’s a technical fault. He's so front-footed that when the ball bounces, he's unable to adjust, which leads to him hanging his bat outside the line and getting out. This flaw has become embedded in his technique, and on pitches with significant bounce, he will continue to struggle," he explained.