Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder for India, is of the opinion that Team India’s bowling lacked heat during the previous two ICC T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022. Going forward in the 50-over WC this year, he wants to see two bowlers who have sheer pace or variations, which will make them less dependent on pitches in India. Pathan’s opinion can be found in the article “India’s Bowling Lacked Heat During the Previous Two
In the one-day international format, Team India has gotten off to a strong start to the new year, with some remarkable performances in matches against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
There have been a lot of positives to look back on, both in the batting and bowling departments, which is something that can be said about the One-Day International series that has already been won against New Zealand with a lead of 2-0 in the three-match series.
Irfan Pathan discussed Mohammed Shami’s performance in the second one-day international against New Zealand and the areas in which India should focus on improving in order to qualify for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in an interview that was conducted exclusively with Star Sports.
“Bowling ought to be India’s primary concern. It is of the utmost importance to plan out what bowling combination we should be playing and which bowlers should get a chance, based on how well they can make the most of the surfaces.
The most significant issue is that the pitches are not turning and that our bowling performance is not up to par. This is something that we have witnessed in the most recent two Twenty20 World Cup matches against Pakistan as well as in the semi-final match against England “on the show ‘Follow the Blues,’ Pathan was quoted as saying.
“Our game of bowling was obviously lacking in intensity. Therefore, moving forward, this is what I personally want to see happen, and that is for us to have two bowlers that do not require the particular pitches that we anticipate.
They are skilled in their individual areas, whether it is pace or variation, and I believe that the team management, the selectors, and everyone else, including the captain Rohit Sharma, is headed in the correct direction. They have their respective skills “said Pathan.
Pathan also mentioned that he appreciated the experienced speed bowler Mohammed Shami’s performance in the second one-day international. Shami’s stint of 3/18 was crucial in the process of bowling out a potent New Zealand batting order for just 108 runs.
The former all-rounder commented on how impressed he was with Shami’s bowling in the first over, which led to the dismissal of opener Finn Allen.
“Everything started from there itself because in the beginning we kept bowling, and at that point getting the ball in was quite successful because to a little amount of variation that was there in his wrists.
The three wickets that he took, out of which he got two in his first spell, and then he dismissed Bracewell with a bouncer, who was potentially a threat to team India, were all thanks to him “said Pathan.
“He utilised the pitch effectively by bowling a bouncer and gained his wicket by changing the angle of attack against him in accordance with the circumstances.
Because of this, each and every wicket was quite important, his spell was very outstanding, and he sorely needed a wicket because his performance had not been up to the mark, particularly in the last seven matches.
And after what seemed like an eternity, he finally got those three wickets, which were not only incredibly significant but also very remarkable “Pathan drew to a close.
