Irfan Pathan Slams Former Selector for Dropping Him After Injury

Irfan Pathan Slams Former Selector for Dropping Him After Injury

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed his disappointment over being dropped from the national team after an injury, criticizing the selection process of the time. Pathan, who played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for India between 2003 and 2012, saw his career plagued by recurring knee injuries.

Despite his last international appearance in 2012, Pathan continued to play domestic cricket until 2019, hoping for a recall. However, in January 2020, he announced his retirement from all formats of the game.

In a recent interview, Pathan criticized former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who was the chairman of selectors when he was dropped. “I was part of the Indian team when Srikanth sir was the selector. I got injured and got kicked out and never played for India. No, that’s the truth. And I have no qualms about it. I have huge respect for you. That time, the mindset was different,” Pathan said on Star Sports Press Room Show, Ticket to World Cup.

Pathan believes that selectors back then often overlooked a player’s past performances after a single bad tour or injury. He also criticized the tendency to judge players solely based on their performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“But come to 2020s, Wriddhiman Saha was literally out of the team for more than a year due to injury. What happened when he got fit? He got picked and was part of the XI. And one year is a long time. But because the Indian team thought of what the Indian team has done for him in the past before getting injured, we don’t want to undervalue that. We want to value that. So when someone is sitting in the selection committee, you should not forget what the guy has done for the Indian team before the IPL. And it’s not too far away I am talking about. Just because some guys are playing well in IPL, you think we should pick them. But don’t forget the guys (who have done well in the past),” he added.

Pathan’s comments highlight the importance of considering a player’s overall contribution and not just their recent form when making selection decisions. It also emphasizes the need for a more balanced approach that values both past achievements and present performances.

Preity Zinta's Passion and Involvement in Punjab Kings Revealed by Irfan Pathan

Preity Zinta’s Passion and Involvement in Punjab Kings Revealed by Irfan Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shed light on the deep involvement of Punjab Kings co-owner and Bollywood actress Preity Zinta with the team. During a mid-innings discussion on Star Sports, Pathan revealed intriguing details about Zinta’s dedication and emotional investment in the team’s performances.

Pathan, who represented Punjab Kings for three years, spoke highly of Zinta’s passion and support. “She is a wonderful woman. She was quite involved with the team. Haarne pe pareshan ho jaati thi, bahut pareshan ho jaati hai [She gets very upset when the team loses]. But she knows how to control her emotions,” Pathan remarked.

Drawing parallels from Zinta’s acting career, Pathan emphasized her understanding of success and failure. “Since she was a fantastic actor, very experienced and very successful, she knows it is not easy. She knows that every movie can’t be a hit. Similarly, she understands that we can’t win every match,” Pathan elaborated.

Pathan reminisced about Zinta’s calm demeanor, recalling only a few instances of her expressing disappointment after a defeat. He emphasized her professionalism and leadership, noting her rare displays of resentment in the face of adversity. “So, when she had a conversation with us after a defeat. In my three years with the team, we played more than 40 matches and I have seen only 2 or 3 times she showed us some disappointment, otherwise she always remains calm,” Irfan added.

Adding a lighter note to the discussion, Pathan shared a memorable anecdote about Zinta’s gesture of celebrating victories by personally preparing paranthas for the team during their stint in South Africa. “She once made parathas with her hands in South Africa for the team. Almost 40 paranthas by hand, because we won against Chennai Super Kings. She is of a different level of team owner,” Pathan concluded.

Punjab Kings’ remarkable run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders, spearheaded by Jonny Bairstow’s explosive century and Shashank Singh’s impressive batting, marked a historic moment as they surpassed the highest successful run chase record in IPL and T20 cricket history. Despite the defeat, Kolkata Knight Riders’ blistering start, fueled by Phil Salt and Sunil Narine, set the stage for a thrilling encounter at the Eden Gardens, showcasing the electrifying nature of T20 cricket.

Former Indian Players Pick T20 World Cup Squads with Surprises

Former Indian Players Pick T20 World Cup Squads with Surprises

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies from June 2 to 29. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad before the end of this month.

Former Indian players have been weighing in on the potential squad, with some surprising omissions and inclusions. Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has included Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya in his squad, but only if he is bowling regularly. Pathan emphasized that Pandya’s batting prowess is undeniable, but his bowling effectiveness is equally important.

Pathan’s squad also features under-fire Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya, but on one condition. Pathan emphasized that Pandya’s inclusion depends on his bowling fitness, given his undeniable batting prowess. However, the effectiveness of his bowling holds equal significance; if he isn’t consistently and effectively bowling, the team’s composition warrants a reassessment.

“My squad for the World Cup. 1) Rohit Sharma (C)2) Yashasvi Jaiswal 3) Virat Kohli4) Surya Kumar Yadav 5) Rishabh pant (wk)6) Shivam Dube7) Hardik Pandya provided he is bowling regularly8)Rinku singh 9)Ravindra jadeja10) Kuldeep Yadav 11)Jasprit Bumrah 12)Arshdeep singh 13)Mohammed Siraj 14)Ravi Bishnoi/Yuzi chahal 15) shubhman gill/ sanju Samson Travelling reserves. 2 Fast bowlers, wicket keeper, batsman.” Pathan posted his squad on X.— IrfanPathan (@IrfanPathan)

Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu, who is among the Star Sports experts panel, also picked his Team India squad for the T20 World Cup. Surprisingly, Rayudu’s squad includes only one allrounder in the form of Ravindra Jadeja, while also featuring young pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who is nursing an injury.

For the middle-order batting slots up for grabs, Rayudu went ahead with the in-form players Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube, while preferring veteran Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant in the wicketkeeper-batsman’s role. He also ignored KL Rahul, who has been doing well for Lucknow Super Giants in the role of ‘keeper-batsman.

Ambati Rayudu’s India squad for T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav

MS Dhoni's IPL Form Sparks Speculation Over T20 World Cup Return

MS Dhoni’s IPL Form Sparks Speculation Over T20 World Cup Return

Former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Varun Aaron have sparked speculation about the potential inclusion of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Despite Dhoni’s international retirement nearly five years ago, his impressive form in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited the debate.

Aaron, speaking to Star Sports, suggested that Dhoni could be a “wildcard entry” in the squad, labeling it as “the wildest card.” Pathan echoed the sentiment, stating that if Dhoni expressed a desire to play in the T20 World Cup, “no one will deny him that chance.”

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has also highlighted Dhoni’s exceptional form in the IPL. “MS Dhoni has a strike-rate of over 250 and doesn’t have an average because he hasn’t been dismissed yet,” Sehwag remarked on Cricbuzz.

However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has acknowledged the challenges of persuading Dhoni to return to competitive cricket. “It will be hard to convince MS, although he is coming to the US, to do something else. He is into golf now,” Sharma said.

In IPL 2024, Dhoni has scored 91 runs off just 35 balls in six unbeaten innings, scoring at a strike rate of 260. His impressive performances have raised questions about whether he could still contribute to the Indian team at the highest level.

While Dhoni’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad remains a hypothetical possibility, his form and the support of former players have fueled speculation. The final decision will ultimately rest with the selectors and the team management.

Hardik Pandya's Form and Leadership Under Fire After MI's IPL Setback

Hardik Pandya’s Form and Leadership Under Fire After MI’s IPL Setback

Mumbai Indians’ (MI) dismal performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 season has reignited concerns over Hardik Pandya’s effectiveness as both a player and captain. In their recent nine-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals, Pandya’s underwhelming performance on the field has drawn criticism from fans and experts alike.

Batting at an unfamiliar position of No. 7, Pandya managed a meager 10 runs. His bowling was equally unimpressive, conceding 37 runs in four wicketless overs. The decision to elevate Pandya as MI skipper over Rohit Sharma has also come under scrutiny, with many questioning his leadership abilities.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has expressed his concerns about Pandya’s form and decision-making. He believes that Pandya’s tendency to seek easy solutions to regain his form could prove detrimental to his team.

“Mumbai Indians is still a strong team on paper, but they’re being managed poorly,” Pathan said. “If Hardik Pandya lacks form as a leader, he’ll become a weak link. He’s affecting his own hitting abilities and looking for easy ways to come back to form. That’s how he’ll lose the respect of his team.”

Pathan criticized Pandya’s decision to bat at No. 7 despite his experience at No. 4 for Gujarat Titans. He also questioned Pandya’s choice to bowl the opening over instead of relying on seasoned bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

“He doesn’t come at a position where he needs to do the tough job,” Pathan said. “If he wants to earn his teammates’ respect, he’s got to do the tough tasks. He bowls the first over thinking he’ll escape, but he gets struck for fours and helps Buttler get in form.”

With MI languishing in seventh place in the points table, the pressure on Pandya is mounting. His ability to turn around the team’s fortunes and prove his worth as a leader will be crucial in determining MI’s success in the remaining matches of the season.

Mitchell Starc's Costly Outing Raises Concerns for KKR

Mitchell Starc’s Costly Outing Raises Concerns for KKR

Irfan Pathan Questions Mitchell Starc’s Performance After Costly Outing Against Rajasthan Royals

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over the performance of Mitchell Starc, the most expensive player in IPL history, following his disappointing outing against the Rajasthan Royals. Starc, who was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore, conceded 50 runs in his four-over spell during KKR’s narrow loss.

Pathan expressed his apprehension on Twitter, stating, “Most expensive player in your team can’t be your weak link.” Starc’s performance against RR was a stark contrast to his previous match against the Lucknow Super Giants, where he had shown signs of improvement by taking three wickets while giving away only 28 runs in his four overs.

However, against RR, Starc struggled to maintain that form. His opening over went for 11 runs, setting the stage for a high-scoring chase. In the powerplay, he bowled two overs, remained wicketless, and conceded 24 out of the total 76 runs scored. Despite the efforts of Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana, who each claimed a wicket, Starc failed to provide the necessary support.

As the chase intensified, Shreyas Iyer’s decision to rely on Starc proved costly. The Australian pacer gave away 18 runs in the 18th over, reducing the equation from 46 runs in 18 balls to a more manageable 28 runs in 12 balls. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy were unable to defend the target in the final two overs, as RR secured the victory on the last ball of the match.

Pathan’s criticism highlights the pressure on Starc to justify his hefty price tag. As the most expensive player in the IPL, he is expected to be a key performer for KKR. However, his recent performances have fallen short of expectations, raising questions about his ability to deliver under pressure.

Irfan Pathan Questions Hardik Pandya's Leadership Skills, Raises Concerns About MI's Performance

Irfan Pathan Questions Hardik Pandya’s Leadership Skills, Raises Concerns About MI’s Performance

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns about Hardik Pandya’s leadership abilities as captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathan believes that Pandya’s inability to adapt to match situations and lack of a clear plan have contributed to MI’s poor performance so far.

“Hardik needs to manage MI really well. Whenever MI lost, Pandya had a big role to play,” Pathan said. “He needs to be aware of the situation and have a Plan A and Plan B. He is not a newbie, he has been playing for so many years. If he is not going to use his own experience and be smart about it, he will be found out.”

Pathan also questioned Pandya’s decision-making during MI’s recent loss to the Rajasthan Royals. “Even yesterday, Akash Madhwal didn’t bowl the last over, you need to give responsibility to him. When Shreyas Gopal got the wicket of Rachin Ravindra, why didn’t you give him another over? He only bowled one over… there was some slowness in the pitch and you need to adapt quickly, unfortunately, Pandya has not been able to adapt so far.”

Pathan acknowledged that Pandya had a successful run as captain of the Gujarat Titans under coach Ashish Nehra, but he emphasized that the MI support staff is also trying to help Pandya. “They are trying to help, it is up to Hardik Pandya,” Pathan said.

Pathan also expressed his disappointment over the possibility of Shivam Dube not being selected for the T20 World Cup. “Eventually there will be a time when Shivam Dube will put pressure on Pandya, the kind of hitting ability that Dube has, the way he has murdered the spinners, no one comes closer to him in Indian batting in the middle order, he is the best now,” Pathan said. “I will be highly disappointed if he doesn’t go to the World Cup.”

Regarding India’s bowling line-up for the World Cup, Pathan emphasized the need for a gun left-arm pacer and a wrist spinner. “I want selectors to have an in-form bowling line-up, you will have (Jasprit) Bumrah, probably a left-arm spinner in Jadeja or Axar Patel, a good wrist spinner, who will be wicket-taker in the middle overs. Get a gun left-armer who is in form, which we missed so many years now. If Arshdeep Singh can bowl like he is doing but also keep an eye on Mohsin Khan.”

Pathan also discussed the impact rule in the IPL, expressing concerns about its long-term effects on Indian cricket. “This rule is not that great for Indian cricket in the long term, see Venkatesh Iyer, Shivam Dube is not bowling, lots of all-rounders are not able to bowl. You want the youngsters to be part of the game,” he said. “I am really worried about the allrounder, eventually going forward we will have to think about this aspect.”

Kohli's Strike-Rate Debate: Pathan Defends, Sehwag Suggests Improvement

Kohli’s Strike-Rate Debate: Pathan Defends, Sehwag Suggests Improvement

Virat Kohli’s performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 has sparked a debate about his role in the modern T20 game. Despite leading the run-scoring charts with a century and two half-centuries in six matches, Kohli’s strike-rate of 141.77 has come under scrutiny.

Critics argue that the “anchor” role, where Kohli often bats through the innings, is no longer suitable for T20 cricket. They point to the need for high strike rates and quick scoring to succeed in the format.

However, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has defended Kohli’s strike-rate, comparing it to other top T20I batsmen. He highlighted that Kohli’s strike-rate of 138.15 is similar to Rohit Sharma’s (139.97) and better than Chris Gayle’s (137.50).

“You need to make it strike-rate plus average,” Pathan said. “You need to see the kind of role that particular player is playing. You can’t have the same yardstick for each and every player.”

Pathan emphasized that Kohli’s average of nearly 50, combined with his strike-rate, makes him a valuable asset to any team. He questioned the criticism of Kohli’s strike-rate, especially when he scored an unbeaten 113 off 72 balls against Rajasthan Royals, albeit in a losing effort.

Former Indian batter Virender Sehwag also acknowledged Kohli’s form but suggested that he could improve his strike-rate. However, Sehwag criticized the other RCB batters for failing to support Kohli, putting undue pressure on him.

The debate over Kohli’s role highlights the evolving nature of T20 cricket. While high strike rates are crucial, teams also need players who can anchor the innings and provide stability. Kohli’s ability to do both makes him a valuable asset, despite the ongoing scrutiny of his strike-rate.

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