Image: Irfan Pathan axed from IPL commentary after criticizing Kohli's form / © Firstpost
After the latest developments in IPL 2025, Irfan Pathan once again targeted Virat Kohli, leading to his reported removal from the tournament. Pathan criticized Kohli’s recent form, pointing out that in 2024, Kohli averaged just 15 in the first innings and hasn’t averaged even 30 over the past five years.
He questioned if this is the level of performance the Indian team deserves from a senior player. Pathan also aimed at Kohli’s absence from domestic cricket, saying, “India doesn’t need superstar culture, they need team culture”, and asked when was the last time Kohli played domestic matches when he was available.
Even after being removed from the IPL, Irfan continued the criticism indirectly by praising Karun Nair’s domestic performance in a tweet, seen as another dig at Kohli. The fans have seen this as a move from Irfan Pathan to target Virat Kohli after he was removed from the IPL Panel.