Irfan Pathan agreed, Rohit Sharma, Team India’s leader, didn’t show his best strategy. This was in the recent Test opening match versus Hyderabad. Here, the Men in Blue had a disheartening 28-run defeat.
Sharma faced a lot of criticism for his leadership, with a few veteran English players claiming he wasn’t assertive. Pathan, on the other hand, urged the experienced cricketer to make atonement by turning things around in the second Test.
The ex-cricketer, now a commentator, appeared sure of a home-team victory. This confidence came even with potential injuries to key players Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul. In a chat with Sports Today, Pathan stated:
“Rohit Sharma’s captaincy was not up to the mark. There were a few players who were set; they could have looked to convert those starts into big scores. Our bowling could also have been better. However, I am confident that Rohit Sharma’s captaincy will be brilliant in the next match and we will make a comeback, despite the fact that we have a lot of problems with some of our key players being injured.”
Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan hinted that England must not underestimate India after their victory in Hyderabad. He stated:
“England have hinted that they might play four spinners. Do that if you want to. Yes, you won the first match, but that doesn’t mean that you have won the series.”
Irfan Pathan
Rohit Sharma’s team couldn’t reach the target of 231 runs in the first Test, ending on 202 runs in the last day. England benefited greatly from Ollie Pope’s impressive 196-run play during their second batting. The match tilted toward England when newcomer Tom Hartley claimed seven victims with his spin bowling in the final session.
Irfan Pathan confident of India’s series victory over England by a huge margin
Irfan Pathan didn’t think India would totally crush England in a 5-0 sweep. He figured the home team would claim victory, but maybe 4-1 or 4-0, not a complete wipeout.
Pathan described England as a competitive squad that plays Test cricket with an amazing attitude.
“My prediction had always been 4-1 or 4-0 in India’s favour. So, they have already won that one match. England is a very strong opponent, and every team comes to India well-prepared and with the hope of winning. Their approach to playing Test cricket has also been very good.”
Irfan Pathan
They’ll play the second Test in the five-match series at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. It’s happening from February 2 to 6.