‘Cricket doesn’t stop for anyone!’: Pathan’s bold take after Oval triumph has fans suspecting of a jibe at Virat Kohli

India’s tour of England invariably garners scores of eyeballs; this time, the occasion was different. As the series was taking place in the wake of a massive transition in Indian cricket, the entire cricket world had tuned in to witness how a young Indian side, sans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, would fare in the testing conditions of England.

The degree of pressure shot a notch higher as India had continuously endured a terrible run in the longest format of the game since last year. As the chips were down and the odds were considerably against, Shubman Gill's side stood tall and faced the challenge with grit and determination. The team did not buckle under pressure and made a comeback twice in the five-match series.

They lost the series opener at Headingley, but came back with a reverberating 336-run win at Edgbaston. They suffered a heartbreaking loss at the Lord’s, but then left a statement of defiance in Manchester by sealing an epic draw. Subsequently, they fetched a 6-run victory in the final contest of the series. It was a roller-coaster of a ride, and in the end, the pendulum swung in India’s favour, as they managed to conclude the series on a high. On paper, the series ended two-all, but given how relentlessly they battled throughout the last month and a half, it is a psychological victory in every aspect.

More from First Cricket

Former New Zealand coach who defeated India in WTC final appointed Andhra Pradesh head coach for Ranji Trophy Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by six wickets to record commanding win in Asia Cup 2025

Irfan Pathan posts a bold statement after India’s win at The Oval

Noting the achievement of the new-age Indian team, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has left a cryptic message on social media. “This series reminds everyone once again, CRICKET DOESN’T STOP FOR ANYONE!”

This series reminds everyone once again

CRICKET DOESN’T STOP FOR ANYONE!

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 4, 2025

Fans in the comment section of the post suspect that the words could be directed at the recently retired stalwart of Indian cricket- Virat Kohli- or Jasprit Bumrah, who did not feature in the final game owing to an injury.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in new report

PCB bans players from WCL over India-Pakistan match controversy

Pathan taking digs at Kohli now ?

— The last dance (@26lastdance) August 4, 2025

Bumrah cooked

— Yash Rathi (@YashRathi1845) August 4, 2025

As sports is an ever-evolving field, where greats come and eventually go, Pathan’s words carry a great deal of fact. However, who the message is targeted at will remain a mystery.