NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has offered a blunt critique of Virat Kohli‘s recent performances, particularly his persistent issues with shots outside the off-stump. Speaking on Star Sports after India’s heavy 184-run defeat to Australia in the Boxing Day Test, Pathan highlighted Kohli’s struggles as a key factor in India’s underwhelming display.
“Both the seniors (Rohit and Virat) did not meet expectations. They did not meet their own expectations at all. They are making mistakes,” Pathan said, addressing the form of both Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma.
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Focusing on Kohli’s long-standing tendency to chase deliveries outside the off-stump, Pathan expressed frustration over the lack of correction in the batter’s technique.
“The shot by Virat Kohli – this is neither the first nor the last time. He is not letting go of the temptation to drive outside the off-stump,” Pathan remarked, adding that the issue has plagued Kohli for years.
Pathan also questioned why Kohli, renowned for his off-field discipline and meticulous preparation, has struggled to bring the same focus to his batting.
“We all talk about his discipline – why can’t he bring that discipline onto the field?” Pathan asked, highlighting a puzzling inconsistency in Kohli’s approach.
Kohli’s scores of 36 and 5 in the first and second innings, respectively, were emblematic of India’s broader batting failures as they fell to a 2-1 series deficit in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
With just one Test remaining in Sydney, India face an uphill task to reclaim the series and maintain hopes of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship Final.
