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Tag: Irfan Pathan

  • Irfan Pathan Takes Indirect DIG At Mitchell Starc, Says ‘Most Expensive Player In Your Team Can’t…’ cricket news

    Irfan Pathan indirectly criticized Mitchell Starc, IPL’s most expensive player, as Starc struggled in KKR’s recent match against Rajasthan Royals. Starc, known for his lethal yorkers, was bought by KKR for a whopping Rs 24.75 crore but failed to impress, conceding 50 runs with an economy of 12.50 in his four-over spell. However, Starc bounced back in KKR’s subsequent match against Lucknow Super Giants. He showcased glimpses of his best form, taking three crucial wickets and conceding 28 runs in his four overs. Despite an expensive first over, Starc’s disciplined bowling helped set the stage for KKR’s eventual victory.

    Irfan took to X to voice his concern over Starc’s form and stated, “Most expensive player in your team can’t be your weak link.”

    Although Starc struggled in the powerplay, failing to take wickets and leaking runs, he was brought back later in the innings. Unfortunately, his costly 18th over tilted the game in RR’s favour, leading to their thrilling victory on the last ball of the match. Despite Starc’s efforts, KKR couldn’t defend the target.

    Jos Buttler played a stellar innings for RR, guiding them to a historic chase. Currently, KKR sits second on the points table and will face Mumbai Indians in their next match at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium, Jaipur.

    The cricket world showered praise on Jos Buttler for his phenomenal century against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Former England captain Michael Vaughan went as far as to label Buttler’s performance as “surely one of the greatest ever T20 innings… absolutely incredible @josbuttler.”

    England’s current Test captain, Ben Stokes, also lauded Buttler, highlighting his exceptional ability to read the game. Stokes expressed that he would have been more surprised if Buttler hadn’t finished the game off, emphasizing Buttler’s talent in assessing game situations and maintaining composure.

    Irfan Pathan joined in the chorus of admiration for Buttler, describing his innings as “RR ka Jos high hai boss,” indicating Buttler’s significant impact on the Rajasthan Royals’ performance with his outstanding batting display.

  • ‘If Hardik Pandya Does Not Want To Play Red-Ball Cricket…’, Irfan Pathan Raises Questions Over Ambiguity In BCCI Central Contracts. cricket news

    Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan has raised pertinent questions regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to exclude Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer from central contracts, juxtaposing it with the treatment of players like Hardik Pandya. Pathan’s inquiry into the BCCI’s rationale centers on the disparity in standards applied to different players concerning their participation in domestic cricket, particularly the Ranji Trophy.

    Also Read | Not Just Ishan Kishan And Shreyas Iyer, THESE Players Also Not Retained In BCCI Annual Player Contracts; In Pics

    Pathan’s skepticism is evident in his statement, “If players like Hardik don’t want to play red ball cricket, should he and others like him participate in white-ball domestic cricket when they aren’t on national duty?” He emphasizes the need for consistency in assessing players’ commitments to different formats, stressing that without uniform standards, Indian cricket’s progress could be hindered.

    The exclusion of Kishan and Iyer from central contracts marks a pivotal moment, signaling the BCCI’s stance against players prioritizing white-ball cricket and lucrative IPL contracts over first-class cricket. Pathan’s belief in the talents of Kishan and Iyer shines through as he expresses hope for their resurgence, stating, “They are talented cricketers, both Shreyas and Ishan. Hoping they bounce back and come back stronger.”

    They are talented cricketers, both Shreyas and Ishan. Hoping they bounce back and come back stronger. If players like Hardik don’t want to play red ball cricket, should he and others like him participate in white-ball domestic cricket when they aren’t on national duty? If this_

    — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 29, 2024

    In solidarity with the embattled duo, former India coach Ravi Shastri lends his support, underscoring the essence of comebacks in cricket. Shastri’s message to Iyer and Kishan resonates with encouragement and belief in their ability to overcome this setback. “In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you’ll conquer once. again,” Shastri stated, offering words of inspiration.

    The discourse surrounding the exclusion of Kishan and Iyer from central contracts underscores broader themes within Indian cricket, including the balance between white-ball and red-ball cricket, the significance of domestic competitions like the Ranji Trophy, and the development of young talents within the Indian cricketing landscape.

  • Irfan Pathan Takes Indirect Dig At Selectors, Shares Sarfaraz Khan’s Batting Records In Tweet Which Is Going Viral | cricket news

    Two days ago when Virat Kohli announced he was not going to feature for India in the first two Tests vs England, he was replaced by Rajat Patidar. Sarfaraz Khan, who recently struck 55 and 96 vs England Lions as part of India A did not find a place in the team. He does not have a huge fan base but a large section of the Team India enthusiasts feel that he is being kept unjustifiably out of the team. What is troubling some fans is that there is no explanation why Sarfaraz is being kept away from the national team despite flurry of performances.

    Also Read | Shahid Afridi’s Reaction To Shoaib Malik Marrying Sana Javed Goes Viral, Ex-Pak Captain Says ‘I Hope God…’

    Sarfaraz has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit, making heaps of runs season after season in Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments. But the national cap is hard to come by. Sarfaraz was not picked for the two-match Test series in South Africa and has not been preferred to replace Kohli in the first two Tests. At the same time, Dhruv Jurel, who has had a decent show in domestic cricket has received a call up for the Tests vs England.

    Irfan Pathan, former India bowler, is not liking what he is seeing at the moment. He feels that Sarfaraz deserves an answer to this constant snub. Irfan, on Wednesday, shared his stats from the first-class cricket and wrote: “If you are him and not getting selected for test cricket, what are you thinking”. Irfan did not name Sarfaraz in his tweet on X but the numbers are of him only. In 44 first-class matches, Sarfaraz has scored 3751 runs at an average of 68.20 and strike rate of 69.59. Irfan had also shared the same numbers.

    If you are him and not getting selected for test cricket, what are you thinking??? pic.twitter.com/uVzUfvNPTx

    — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 24, 2024

    Not to forget, Sarfaraz also has 13 hundreds and 11 fifties to his name. It is also true that the batter has had a poor show in IPL so far, which could be a big reason why he has got snub for the selectors over the years.

    There are many domestic giants in the past who either never got to play for India or did not get a long run with the team. These players include Amol Majumdar, Subramaniam Badrinath, Wasim Jaffer. One can say that Jaffer is an exception as he played cricket for India for some time but even after Virender Sehwag replaced him in the Tests, Jaffer continues to make heaps of runs in domestic cricket but never got the ticket back into the Test side. Hopefully, Sarfaraz’s story will not meet the same fate.

  • Sports Success Story: From Swing To Stardom, Irfan Pathan’s Inspirational Journey To Cricket Greatness | cricket news

    New Delhi: Irfan Pathan, born on October 27, 1984, in Vadodara, Gujarat, is a former Indian cricketer who left an indelible mark on the sport with his exceptional skills as a fast-bowling all-rounder. His journey from a modest background to becoming a prominent figure in Indian cricket is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.

    Early Life And Struggles:

    Irfan Pathan’s cricketing journey began in the narrow lanes of Vadodara, where he honed his skills playing street cricket with makeshift equipment. Despite financial constraints, his father recognized his talent and supported his aspirations. Pathan’s breakthrough came when he joined the MRF Pace Foundation, showcasing raw talent that would soon make waves on the international stage.

    Rapid Rise In International Cricket:

    Irfan Pathan made his international debut in 2003, catching everyone’s attention with his swing bowling and aggressive batting. His hat-trick against Pakistan in the first over of a Test match in 2006 remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history. Pathan’s performances in both Test and One Day Internationals (ODIs) solidified his position as a key player for the Indian team.

    Challenges And Comebacks:

    Injuries and fluctuations in form posed challenges to Pathan’s career, leading to temporary setbacks. However, his resilience and work ethic saw him make successful comebacks. His ability to reinvent himself, adopting a more nuanced bowling style, showcased his adaptability and determination.

    T20 Success And Franchise Cricket:

    Irfan Pathan excelled in the shorter format of the game, becoming a sought-after player in T20 leagues worldwide. His contributions to various franchises, both with the ball and the bat, demonstrated his versatility and made him an asset in the evolving landscape of cricket.

    Legacy And Post-Retirement Contributions:

    After retiring from professional cricket, Irfan Pathan continued to contribute to the sport. Whether it was as a commentator, mentor, or coach, he remained actively involved in nurturing young talent and sharing his wealth of experience.

    Irfan Pathan’s success story is a testament to his unwavering determination, skill, and adaptability. From the narrow streets of Vadodara to the international cricketing arena, he overcame challenges, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket. His legacy extends beyond his playing days, as he continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers.