The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 concluded with the fifth and final Test match in Sydney, marking the end of Team India’s journey in the World Test Championship 2023-25. Australia secured a 3-1 victory in the five-match Test series, with Indian batting struggling throughout. Notable players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, failed to make a significant impact. Despite scoring a century in the first Test, Kohli’s performance declined, scoring only 190 runs in 9 innings at an average of 23.75.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his concerns about the team’s performance, emphasizing the need to shift from a superstar culture to a team culture. He stressed the importance of improving individual and team performance, citing Kohli’s lack of participation in domestic cricket as a contributing factor to his poor form.
Kohli’s Disappointing Performance
Pathan questioned Kohli’s last appearance in domestic cricket, which was over a decade ago. He suggested that a younger player should be given a chance in Kohli’s place, considering his average in the first innings over the last five years has been less than 30. Pathan pointed out that Kohli’s average in the first innings in 2024 was 15, and that a younger player could potentially offer a higher average.
Pathan acknowledged Kohli’s past contributions to the Indian team but expressed concern about his repeated mistakes and lack of effort to correct them. He emphasized the need for Kohli to address his technical issues and seek guidance from experienced players like Sunny Gavaskar.
(Input – PTI)