The excitement of IPL 2025 kicked off on March 22, but one voice was missing from the commentary panel - former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Reports suggest that broadcasters excluded him due to concerns over his commentary, allegedly influenced by personal grudges, both on-air and on social media. Now, a viral video of Pathan sharing his opinion on Virat Kohli’s recent slump in form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Australia has sparked speculation. The internet is buzzing with theories that this video might be the reason the 40-year-old former cricketer was left out of the IPL 2025 commentary team.
Check out the viral Reddit post here:
Is this the reason why Irfan Pathan was removed from the IPL Commentary Team ?
byu/Chai_Lijiye inIndiaCricket
In the viral video, Irfan Pathan discusses Virat Kohli's struggles during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Pathan served as a commentator.?
Kohli had a forgettable series, managing just 190 runs in five Tests (nine innings) at an average of 23.75. His dismissals followed a recurring pattern: edging deliveries outside the off-stump to the wicketkeeper or slips.
In the clip, Pathan remarks, "Isse achha aap kisi youngster ko mauka dijiye…" (It's better to give a youngster a chance…), emphasising that team performance should take priority over individuals.?
He adds, "Unhone [referring to Virat Kohli] bohot performance kiya hai Bharat ke liye lekin ek hi galti se aap baar baar out ho rahe ho, uss technical galti ko aap theek karne ki koshish nahi kar rahe." (He has performed a lot for India, but if you're getting out the same way repeatedly and not fixing the technical flaw, it's a problem.)
"Woh galti theek karne mein aapki mehnat lagti hai jo mehnat dikhayi nahi de rahi hai," Pathan stated. (Fixing that flaw takes effort, but that effort isn't visible.)
With no official confirmation on why Pathan was dropped from the IPL 2025 commentary panel, many on the internet believe this video could be a key reason.
The video sparked a flurry of reactions online, with opinions divided. Some applauded Irfan Pathan for his honesty, while others were surprised by his blunt criticism.
One user wrote, "Thoda zyada sach bol diya." (He spoke a little too much truth.)
Another commented, "Respect to Irfan Pathan for speaking the truth, even at the cost of losing his job."
A more critical take read, "I have seen him supporting Virat on so many occasions. He has been a fan like a lot of us. But what Virat did on the Australia tour is unforgivable. He shouldn't be anywhere near the team."
Yet another user reflected on the moment, saying, "I was taken aback when I saw this live. Irfan had been nauseatingly accommodating of the struggling stars throughout the series. But on the final day, with India down 1-3, he really let loose. And he is absolutely on point."
What's your opinion on this?
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