'Do India deserve underperforming seniors?': Ex-India star lashes out at Virat Kohli over declining numbers in Tests

Former Indian cricketer turned commentator, Irfan Pathan believes that it is time for the Indian team management to start supporting a young player in place of Virat Kohli. Kohli's recent performance in the five-match Test series against Australia was disappointing as he only managed to score 190 runs in nine innings with an average of 23.75 and one century.

Pathan heavily criticized Kohli for his poor performance particularly pointing out his low average in the first innings. He also noted Kohli's declining numbers in the post-COVID era and suggested that a young player given regular opportunities could achieve an average between 25-30.

“In 2024, in the first innings where the game is set up, Virat Kohli averages just 15. If we take out his numbers in the last five years, he doesn’t even average 30. Is this what the Indian team deserves from his senior player? Instead of him, you give regular chances to a youngster, give him time to get prepared, even he can average 25-30. Because we are discussing about the team here not the individuals,” said Pathan on Star Sports.

“India don’t need superstar culture, they need team culture. Tell me the last time when Virat Kohli played domestic cricket when he was free? When was the last time it happened? It has almost been a decade. Since then even the legendary Sachin Tendulkar played it and has retired altogether. He didn’t have to play, but even he came to play,” he added.

Since 2020, Virat Kohli has scored 2028 runs from 39 matches (69 innings) at an average of 30.72 including three centuries and nine half-centuries. However, since 2024 his performance has declined accumulating only 440 runs from 11 matches (21 innings) at an average of 23.15, with one century and one half-century. Notably, his first innings average since 2024 has dropped to 15.63, compared to 33.50 in the second innings.

As a result of his prolonged poor form, Kohli's Test average has decreased from 54.97 in 2019 to 46.85 currently. This decline has raised concerns about his place in the team with many questioning his future in Test cricket. With the upcoming England tour it remains uncertain how long Kohli will be given to improve his performance or if the management will make a tough decision regarding his Test future.

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