Amid Retirement Claims, Virat Kohli Gets Brutal Reality Check: "Even Sachin Tendulkar..."

Team India's bitter defeat against Australia in the Sydney Test didn't just see them lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also the glimmer of World Test Championship final qualification hope. As pundits Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar reflected on India's mistakes in the series, Virat Kohli's below-par show with the bat stood among the top factors. Irfan didn't mince words as he tore into Kohli, highlighting his disappointing numbers with the bat while questioning his place in the team. The former India all-rounder even suggested that a youngster can give as many runs as Virat to the team.

"In 2024, in the first innings, where the match is set, Virat Kohli only averages 15. Over the last 5 years, he doesn't even average 30. Does the Indian team deserve this from a senior player? Instead of this, give a youngster consistent rope, even he can give an average of 25-30. It's not about an individual, it's about the team," Irfan said during a chat on Star Sports.

Indian cricket has often been hurt by the 'hero culture' which sees under-fire superstars being protected despite repeated failures. However, Irfan wants the 'team culture' to prevail. He even asked why Kohli hasn't played domestic cricket in a long time, whereas even an all-time great like Sachin Tendulkar did when he was out of form.

"We need to end superstar culture, we need team culture. You need to improve yourself and improve the Indian team. There were matches before this series, too, and they had an opportunity to play domestic cricket, but they didn't. We need to change that culture," a disappointed Irfan said on Live TV.

“When was the last time Virat Kohli played domestic cricket? It has been more than a decade. Even Sachin Tendulkar has played domestic