Irfan Pathan, the former seamer, has emphasized the need for Indian cricket to reassess its valuation of Hardik Pandya as an all-rounder on the international stage, citing a lack of impact in ICC tournaments. Pandya, currently playing for Mumbai Indians, has been struggling with form during this IPL season, prompting concerns over his inclusion in India's T20 World Cup squad, set to be announced shortly.
Expressing his views on the Star Sports Press Room Show, Ticket to World Cup, Pathan stressed that Indian cricket should reconsider the prominence given to Pandya, especially in light of the nation's failure to secure a World Cup victory. He highlighted the disparity between being perceived as a primary all-rounder and actually delivering impactful performances at the international level. According to Pathan, Pandya has yet to make a significant mark on the international stage, despite being recognized for his potential.
Pathan cautioned against conflating IPL performances with those in international cricket, emphasizing the importance of consistency throughout the year rather than selectively participating in tournaments. He advocated for a shift away from individual preferences towards prioritizing team unity, drawing parallels with Australia's approach of fostering a team of superstars rather than relying on a single individual. Pathan suggested that such a collective ethos is essential for achieving success in major tournaments.
Additionally, Pathan expressed concerns regarding the team's finishers and the pace bowling unit ahead of the T20 World Cup. While acknowledging the strength of India's top-order batting and middle-overs performance, he highlighted the need for a reliable finisher, expressing reservations about Ravindra Jadeja's strike rate at the international level. Furthermore, Pathan identified shortcomings in the fast bowling department beyond Jasprit Bumrah, citing underwhelming performances from players like Arshdeep and Mohammed Siraj.
In conclusion, Pathan underscored the significance of addressing these issues surrounding finishers and pace bowlers, recognizing them as crucial components for India's prospects in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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