Irfan Pathan Criticizes Virat Kohli’s Off-Stump Weakness After Boxing Day Test Defeat

Pathan questions Kohli’s recurring dismissal pattern and urges greater discipline at the crease amid India’s crushing loss to Australia.

Melbourne [Australia], December 31: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed his concerns over Virat Kohli’s repeated dismissals outside the off-stump, emphasizing the disconnect between Kohli’s off-field discipline and his on-field performance.

Following India’s 184-run defeat to Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Pathan criticized both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for failing to meet expectations in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series.

Persistent Off-Stump Issues

Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan highlighted Kohli’s recurring flaw: his inability to resist deliveries pitched outside the off-stump.
“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,” said Pathan.

Pathan stressed that this technical vulnerability isn’t new for Kohli but a persistent issue in his game. “He has been doing this for many years. Everyone is saying the same thing. Virat Kohli also knows this,” he added.

Lack of On-Field Discipline

Pathan further questioned why Kohli, renowned for his rigorous fitness routines and preparation, struggles to carry the same discipline onto the field.
“We all talk about his discipline—why can’t he bring that discipline onto the field?” asked Pathan.

Underwhelming Performance in Melbourne Test

In the Melbourne Test, Kohli managed scores of 36 and 5 in the two innings, falling prey to the same technical weakness in both dismissals.

India’s Struggles in the Boxing Day Test

India’s hopes of leveling the series were crushed after their batting lineup faltered while chasing a challenging target of 340 runs set by Australia. Despite a fighting partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, India eventually collapsed, with the top order failing to provide stability.

Australia Dominates to Take Series Lead

Australia capitalized on India’s errors, with notable contributions from Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland, who added a crucial 61-run partnership in the second innings. The hosts now lead the five-match series 2-1, leaving India with a steep hill to climb to keep their World Test Championship Final hopes alive.

With the spotlight firmly on senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the Indian team will need significant improvements heading into the Sydney Test to stay competitive in the series.