Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has praised Virat Kohli’s contribution to world cricket, stating that the batter’s legacy does not depend on whether he scores runs at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Pathan said Kohli has already established himself as one of the greatest players in the game through consistent performances across different conditions and countries, adding that his reputation remains unaffected by individual matches at specific venues.
Kohli scored a valuable 74 runs during India’s chase of 388 in the third ODI against England at Lord’s, helping build a crucial partnership with captain Rohit Sharma. Despite their efforts, India fell 27 runs short of the target as England won the match and secured the three-match ODI series 2-1. Pathan said Kohli’s half-century should be judged on the quality of the innings rather than the importance often attached to scoring runs at the historic London venue.
Speaking to JioStar, Pathan questioned the emphasis placed on performances at Lord’s, saying Kohli has already scored runs around the world and proved his ability in different conditions. He stated that even if Kohli had not scored at the venue, it would not have reduced his importance in Indian or international cricket. Pathan described Kohli as a “master” of the game and said his achievements have already secured his place among cricket’s elite.
Pathan also highlighted Kohli’s game awareness during the chase, pointing out how the former India captain adjusted his batting approach as the required run rate increased. He noted that Kohli understood the need to accelerate after reaching the mid-stage of his innings and suggested that a longer stay at the crease, combined with stronger bowling support from India in the final overs, could have changed the outcome of the match.
India’s chase was built around Rohit Sharma’s commanding 138, which provided a strong foundation against England’s challenging total. However, England’s disciplined death bowling restricted India’s middle-order batters and prevented a late comeback. With the victory at Lord’s, England not only won the match but also secured the ODI series, while Kohli’s performance once again became a topic of discussion among fans and former players.