Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared a timely and important observation about the current state of Indian cricket’s senior stars. Speaking about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Pathan highlighted the crucial difference between normal fitness and match fitness — a distinction that often separates players who are physically ready from those who are truly game-ready. His comments come at a moment when both veterans are transitioning into the final phase of their careers, focusing on selective formats, and facing long breaks between matches.
Pathan’s words carried both respect and realism. “We have seen both Rohit and Virat work hard, but match fitness and normal fitness are two different things. For example, Rishabh Pant, coming after injury, will play for India ‘A’ against South Africa ‘A’,” he said. The statement drew attention to an overlooked truth: no matter how dedicated a player is in the gym or in training sessions, real sharpness comes only through consistent match practice.
Rishabh Pant’s example perfectly fits the point Pathan was making. After a long injury layoff, Pant could have directly returned to international cricket based on reputation alone. Instead, he chose the tougher but smarter route — to rebuild his rhythm and confidence by playing for India ‘A’. This decision shows an understanding that competitive game time is irreplaceable, especially when coming back from a break or injury. It’s not about muscle strength or endurance alone, but about timing, mental focus, and adapting to real-match situations.
For Rohit and Virat, the challenge is slightly different but equally significant. Both have reduced their workload by focusing only on the One-Day International format. While this approach preserves their bodies and extends their careers, it also creates longer gaps between games. And in elite cricket, long gaps can dull instincts. Match fitness, as Pathan pointed out, is not something that can be simulated in training nets or gym sessions. It demands the heat of battle, the pressure of live competition, and the rhythm of facing quality opposition.
Pathan’s comments reflect a growing concern among observers that India’s most experienced players need more match exposure before major tournaments. With the next ICC events on the horizon, selectors and coaches will want to ensure that both Rohit and Virat are not just fit, but battle-ready. Their experience is unmatched, but experience alone cannot replace rhythm. It is rhythm — the ability to anticipate, to react, and to execute instinctively — that turns great players into match-winners.
The contrast between Pant’s preparation and the current routine of senior players highlights a broader issue in modern cricket. Players today are more aware of physical conditioning than ever before, yet the mental and situational sharpness that comes only from match play can fade if not maintained. Pathan’s words serve as a reminder that fitness must include both body and game awareness.
Ultimately, Irfan Pathan’s message was not criticism but caution — a call for balance. He acknowledged the hard work Rohit and Virat put into staying in shape but urged them to seek more real match exposure. As the two stalwarts prepare for another big tournament, his advice resonates deeply. Both have the skill, experience, and hunger to perform, but keeping their match fitness intact could be the key to India’s success in the months ahead.
In essence, Pathan has reignited an important debate in Indian cricket: what truly defines readiness? For players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have carried the weight of expectations for over a decade, it may come down to more than just staying fit. It’s about staying in rhythm — something only the pitch, not the gym, can offer.