We Supported Him But… – Irfan Pathan Opens Up on Rohit Sharma Row
1. The Context: When Silence Speaks Louder than Words
In the heat of the 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit Sharma’s performance in Test cricket became a point of intense discussion. Struggling at the crease with a paltry average of just 6.20 in three matches in Australia, plus only 164 runs across other outings, skeptics questioned whether his place in the squad was earned or inherited.
The backdrop? An interview in Sydney, conducted by former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, which sparked a wave of debate—not just about Rohit’s form, but also about the nuanced dance between professionalism and loyalty in media-player interactions.
2. “We Supported Him… But It Was Out of Obligation”
Addressing the backlash, Irfan Pathan clarified that while support for Rohit was visible during the broadcast, it stemmed more from courtesy than conviction.
“When someone comes to interview on your broadcasting channel, you will not misbehave with them… you will behave politely because he was our guest.
In essence, Pathan and the broadcasting team were fulfilling their roles as hosts—and that polished conduct wasn’t a footballer’s shield against poor form, just good manners on air.
3. A Captain’s Privilege: The Power of Wearing the Armband
Pathan pulled no punches when discussing selection dynamics:
“Rohit Sharma is an amazing white-ball cricketer, but his average in Test cricket that year was just six. We said that if he was not the captain, he would have had no place in the team.
These words reveal a truth that echoes deeper than statistics: leadership can sometimes act as a lifeline in the face of consistent underperformance.
4. Public Reaction and Capturing the Media Moment
Media outlets—including NDTV, Firstpost, Moneycontrol, and Republic World—quickly circulated Pathan’s remarks, igniting discussions across platforms.
Read More: BCCI Confirms: Rishabh Pant Wicketkeeping Duties Paused for Day 2 at Lords
On social media, reactions ranged from admiration for Pathan’s boldness to reflection on team culture and media bias. Although Reddit discussions weren’t directly focused on this interview, the platform often showcases fans debating similar themes around performance, patronage, and accountability.
5. Why This Matters: Performance, Patronage & the Media
This episode highlights a complex intersection that every sport, including cricket, navigates:
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Performance Standards: Regardless of off-field identity, players are—ideally—evaluated on form and contribution.
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Leadership Buffer: Captains may enjoy leeway unavailable to others, raising vital questions about fairness in selection.
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Media Ethics & Etiquette: Broadcasters must balance candor with civility; bold truths are often tempered by professional decorum.
Irfan Pathan’s interview shines a light on all three, offering a candid view behind cricket’s polished image.
Read more: I Saw Kohli Crying in the Bathroom: Chahal Shares Untold Story of Team India’s Darkest Hour
6. Final Thoughts: More Than Just an Interview
What may have seemed like a routine broadcast segment in Sydney unveiled a tangle of sporting politics, leadership perception, and journalistic obligation. Pathan—stepping forward in August 2025 to clarify his stance—turned a controversial moment into a conversation about values and fairness in Indian cricket.
Whether you view him as speaking uncomfortable truths or balancing respect with realism, this episode underscores the intricate pressures at play when sport, media, and authority converge.
