This photo from mint website.
Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy was the talk of the cricketing world, but his comeback to domestic cricket was met with an unexpected setback. In the Delhi vs Railways match on January 31, Kohli was dismissed for just 6 runs, bowled out by the relatively unknown pacer Himanshu Sangwan. Kohli’s departure came after hitting a boundary off Sangwan, leaving fans in shock as they expected the cricketing legend to make a memorable impact.
As Kohli’s supporters tried to come to terms with the quick exit, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan stirred the pot by commenting on the challenges of Indian domestic cricket. While his post was intended to provide insight into the difficulties players face in the domestic circuit, it triggered a wave of reactions from Kohli’s passionate fanbase. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and why Irfan Pathan’s remarks sparked a heated debate.
Kohli’s Ranji Trophy Return: A Short-Lived Comeback
Virat Kohli’s appearance at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium was eagerly awaited by fans, as it marked his first Ranji Trophy match in over a decade. The atmosphere was electric, with a packed house hoping to see the cricketing icon shine once again. However, the excitement turned to silence when Kohli, after facing just 15 balls, was clean-bowled by Sangwan. His brief stint at the crease ended after scoring a mere 6 runs.
The cricketing world is well aware that Kohli is a master at adapting to different conditions, but this early dismissal raised questions. What followed, however, was a different kind of drama—one that had less to do with the game and more with the commentary surrounding it.
Irfan Pathan’s Reflection on Domestic Cricket
In response to Kohli’s early exit, Irfan Pathan took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the challenges of playing domestic cricket. While not directly commenting on Kohli’s dismissal, Pathan’s post reflected on the inherent difficulties of facing domestic bowlers, especially in Indian conditions.
Pathan emphasized the unique challenges posed by domestic cricket, particularly the variation in pitch conditions across India. He stated, “Indian domestic cricket, especially with the red ball, presents unique challenges. These tend to come up during the winter months. The pitches have more in them, and bowlers you’ve never faced can really surprise you.” He also noted the influence of soil types on the behavior of the pitch, adding that players often have to adapt quickly to succeed.
Irfan Pathan further advocated for Indian cricketers to spend more time playing domestic cricket to hone their skills. “This is exactly why I’ve been advocating for current Indian players to spend as much time as they can playing domestic cricket,” he wrote.
While Pathan’s post was a general reflection on the challenges of domestic cricket, it was the timing and context of his comments that sparked mixed reactions.
Kohli Fans React to Pathan’s Post
Although Irfan Pathan’s message was well-meaning, it did not sit well with some of Kohli’s fans, who felt that his comments were overly critical of the star cricketer. Many took to social media to express their displeasure, suggesting that Pathan’s post was too harsh, especially in light of Kohli’s return to domestic cricket after years of international commitments.
One fan wrote, “Bro is posting about Virat as if another big player had scored a hundred! It’s fine, he’ll regain form in England. But posting this specifically, who will even listen? It’s all the Mumbai lobby.” Another user added, “Why don’t you post the wicket of Rohit Sharma getting out and sharing the message?” suggesting that Pathan was unfairly singling out Kohli.
Some fans were also quick to defend Kohli’s status in world cricket, stating, “It’s not easy to be Virat Kohli.” The backlash seemed to stem from the idea that Kohli’s rare failures should not be highlighted so publicly, especially when he is working to regain form.
Interestingly, Shikhar Dhawan, another prominent Indian cricketer, showed his support by liking Pathan’s post. However, the contrasting reactions between the two players’ fanbases highlighted the intense loyalty and emotional investment fans have in their cricketing heroes.
A Call for Constructive Criticism
While Kohli’s performance in the Delhi vs Railways Ranji Trophy match may have been underwhelming, it’s important to recognize that cricket, especially at the domestic level, is filled with ups and downs. Even the best players face challenging conditions, and for Kohli, his return to domestic cricket is a step toward getting back to his peak form.
Irfan Pathan’s comments on the difficulties of Indian domestic cricket should be seen as a constructive reflection, rather than a direct criticism of Kohli. It is a reminder that the Indian domestic circuit offers tough challenges that even seasoned international cricketers must navigate. However, the response from fans shows just how sensitive the cricketing community is when it comes to its stars, and how easily comments can be misinterpreted, especially when dealing with figures as beloved as Virat Kohli.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s short-lived return to the Ranji Trophy may have been disappointing, but it’s clear that fans remain fiercely protective of their cricketing icon. Irfan Pathan’s well-intentioned message about the challenges of domestic cricket was unfortunately overshadowed by the emotional reactions of Kohli’s supporters. The incident serves as a reminder that even the most experienced cricketers can struggle in challenging conditions, and that constructive criticism should be given with care and context in mind.
As Kohli looks to regain his form, it will be interesting to see how he bounces back from this setback. His loyal fans continue to back him, confident that he will soon be back to his best, regardless of the challenges presented by the domestic circuit.
