Pathan: ‘Sword Hanging Over Kohli’ Amid Duck Drama

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has come out in strong support of Virat Kohli following the star batter’s rare back-to-back ducks against Australia in the ongoing ODI series. With social media buzzing and fans growing anxious, Pathan’s words offer a timely reminder of the mental pressures elite athletes face—even legends like Kohli.

“Not Easy to Play When Sword Hanging Over You”

Pathan didn’t mince words when describing the psychological toll of consecutive low scores. “It’s not easy to play when a sword is hanging over you,” he said, capturing the intense scrutiny Kohli is under after failing to open his account in both Perth and Adelaide .

The former left-arm seamer emphasized that Kohli—despite his current slump—remains one of the game’s greats and deserves patience, not panic. “He’s given so much to Indian cricket. A couple of failures don’t erase that legacy,” Pathan added .

Kohli’s Uncharacteristic Slump: By the Numbers

Virat Kohli’s recent form has raised eyebrows, especially given his otherwise consistent ODI record. Here’s a quick look at the anomaly:

Match	Venue	Score	Balls Faced
1st ODI vs Australia	Perth	0	3
2nd ODI vs Australia	Adelaide	0	5

While two ducks might seem minor in a long career, they mark the first time Kohli has been dismissed for zero in consecutive ODIs—a statistic that’s fueled unnecessary noise online .

Pathan’s Plea: Shield Stars from Social Media Noise

Pathan also urged fans and critics to ease up on both Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, who’s also endured a lean patch. “These players have carried Indian cricket for over a decade. They don’t need more pressure—they need support,” he stressed .

He warned against letting social media dictate narratives: “The moment a player fails twice, people start talking about retirement or dropping them. That’s unfair and unhelpful.”

Trust the Process: What History Tells Us

Cricket history is full of comebacks. Kohli himself has bounced back from slumps before—most notably during the 2014 England tour, only to dominate world cricket for years afterward. Pathan’s advice? “Don’t get desperate. Trust your game. The runs will come” .

For now, all eyes are on the third ODI. Will Kohli silence critics with a vintage innings? Or will the pressure continue to mount?

Sources

• Times of India: Pathan on Kohli’s Ducks
• ESPNcricinfo Match Reports