India
The India vs England T20I series has once again brought cricket back into the limelight, not just for the action on the field but also for the drama off it. After India’s emphatic win against England to level the series 1-1, former cricketer and now commentator Irfan Pathan found himself at the center of an online storm. A cryptic post by the ex-all-rounder stirred a frenzy on social media, with many fans accusing him of indirectly targeting Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.
The Post That Sparked the Debate
After India’s 5-wicket victory over England in the second T20I, Irfan Pathan took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:
“When players are given a consistent run, clarity in roles, and support, results are bound to follow.”
While this may seem like a generic statement about team-building principles, many fans interpreted it as a subtle jab at the team’s selection policy and certain senior players — notably Kohli and Bumrah — who have often been given extended runs despite inconsistent performances in some formats or fitness concerns.
Soon after his post, a section of the cricketing fanbase erupted, calling out Pathan for allegedly “targeting” stalwarts like Kohli and Bumrah. Some fans accused him of holding grudges due to his own career trajectory, while others defended his right to voice opinions, citing that team strategy and performance are valid topics for discussion.
Fan Reactions: A House Divided
The comment section of Pathan’s post quickly became a battleground.
One user replied: “Clear who you’re hinting at. Why drag Kohli and Bumrah into this when they’ve been match-winners for India?”
Another wrote: “Irfan Pathan is just saying what everyone’s thinking. Why is it that young players are dropped after 1-2 failures, but some seniors get a free pass?”
On the other hand, several fans supported Pathan’s message, saying it highlighted the importance of team management backing emerging talents like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Arshdeep Singh — all of whom played a crucial role in the win.
Kohli and Bumrah: Under the Scanner
Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah remain two of the most iconic names in modern Indian cricket. While their talent and contributions are unquestionable, their T20I spots have come under scrutiny as the team builds toward the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Kohli, in particular, has not played a T20I since the 2024 World Cup semi-final, leading many to believe the team is looking beyond him in the shortest format. Similarly, Bumrah — although still a key player in Tests and ODIs — has had sporadic appearances in T20Is due to workload management and injuries.
With India experimenting with a younger squad in recent series, some pundits have argued that giving consistent opportunities to the new generation — even at the cost of sidelining veterans — is the way forward. Pathan’s post, in this context, was viewed by some as a nudge to continue on that path.
Pathan Responds to the Backlash
Amid growing criticism, Irfan Pathan clarified his stance in a follow-up post, stating:
“It’s always about the team, not individuals. My comments are aimed at supporting fair selection and consistent backing for all — young or senior. No agendas here.”
However, the damage had already been done in the eyes of many fans, with hashtags like #IrfanPathan and #Kohli trending on X for hours.
A Recurring Theme in Indian Cricket
This isn’t the first time Irfan Pathan has made headlines for his candid social media posts. Known for his forthright views, Pathan has often commented on issues of team selection, regional favoritism, and the treatment of fringe players — topics that remain sensitive among Indian cricket fans.
His own career, which many believe was cut short prematurely due to mismanagement and inconsistent selection policies, perhaps fuels his passionate stance on the subject.
What This Means Going Forward
The latest episode highlights the deep divide within the Indian cricket fanbase — between those who want to stick with experience and those pushing for a full generational shift. While Pathan’s post may not have directly named anyone, the timing and tone ensured it became a talking point.
As India prepares for the final T20I against England and a packed calendar leading to the 2026 T20 World Cup, the debate over who makes the final squad — and who gets consistent backing — is likely to intensify. Whether Pathan’s comments influence this discourse or merely fuel online spats remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: in Indian cricket, no post is ever truly “harmless,” especially when it involves legends like Kohli and Bumrah.
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