Irfan Pathan says THIS shortcoming hurt India in WTC Final against New Zealand

Former India international Irfan Pathan rued the absence of a quality fast-bowling all-rounder in the Indian cricket team.

The ICC World Test Championship continues India's pain in major ICC events. (Image credit: BCCI Twitter)
By Shayne Dias | Jul 1, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Former India international Irfan Pathan rued the absence of a quality fast-bowling all-rounder in the Indian cricket team. He also believes this shortcoming played a role in their eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the final of ICC World Test Championship last month. Pathan is not the first player to point out that India require a quality pace bowling all-rounder. With Hardik Pandya’s fitness still a question mark, it is an area that needs immediate addressal. However, Pathan himself believes it is hard to find someone of that calibre with ease.

“I think India played with fewer batsmen – which I highlighted before the ICC World Test Championship Final,” Pathan said on Star Sports’ Follow The Blues.

“I feel there was a need for one more batsman in the team. We do not have quality fast-bowling all-arounder – which New Zealand possesses – and it is hard to find one.

“Now, If we talk from a proper cricketing point of view – what went wrong for India? I think the first inning went great, but Team India’s batting in the second innings was disappointing.

“The ball wasn’t swinging as much in the second inning, and Indian batsmen could have batted more responsibly,” said Pathan.

“I am aware of Rishabh Pant’s capabilities as a batsman and how he can hit balls very well, but that does not mean you hit a fast bowler outside.

“A sense of responsibility was required. Indian batters were using a lot of pull shots on bouncers; instead of using their body and this showed a lack of commitment.”

Lack of practice game hurt India: Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan, who represented India in 29 Tests, hopes the team management will be able to learn from the mistakes. “These questions are tough, but I hope Indian batsmen have the strength to give their answers in the future,” the 36-year-old said.

He also thinks that a lack of practice games worked against Virat Kohli’s team. Pathan feels the bowlers were tired by the time the sixth day of the contest came around.

“By the time we (India) started fielding for the second session, our bowlers were already tired. This happened because India didn’t get enough match practice.

“When a team gets less match practice, they don’t have the kind of match fitness required for a particular game. I feel this will improve eventually.

Pathan, who was known for being a good swing bowler, believes Indian bowlers should have mixed up their lengths and gone for the odd short ball too.

“I think Indian bowlers should’ve opted for more bouncers – the way Neil Wagner did. And improvement is required in length, because we witnessed a lot of cut shots and back-foot punches from Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor.”

Meanwhile, India will begin their next World Test Championship cycle with the series against England. This series along with the Ashes will be the only two series comprising five Tests in the second WTC cycle. This cycle will last from August 2021-June 2023.

The teams will play three home and as many away series. The tours which were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the opening WTC cycle will not be carried forward.

India are scheduled to play 19 Tests over the two years. Meanwhile, Australia and South Africa are set to play 15 matches each.





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