Irfan Pathan on India’s spin struggle

Following the hosts’ seven-wicket loss in the second ODI at Rajkot on Sunday, January 14, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised New Zealand’s tactical clarity and bowling discipline while voicing reservations about India’s spin efficacy.

With a resounding undefeated century from Daryl Mitchell and a steady knock from Will Young, New Zealand easily chased down India’s 284 total, reaching 286 for 3 in 47.3 overs. The outcome tied the three-match series at 1-1.

New Zealand did a better job of understanding the conditions, especially at the toss, according to Irfan Pathan. The visitors’ choice to bowl first paid off early on since the wicket gave spinners grip.

Pathan praised Jayden Lennox and captain Michael Bracewell for their dominance in the middle overs and emphasised the discipline displayed by New Zealand’s comparatively inexperienced spin attack. In his very first ODI, Lennox bowled one of the last five overs and gave up runs at an economy rate of 4.20.

“New Zealand is deserving of recognition. New Zealand’s style of play involves winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. India, on the other hand, claimed that if they had won the toss, they would have batted first. The conditions were well understood in New Zealand. We witnessed spin bowling, and they bowled brilliantly. The spinners from New Zealand lacked experience.

In his maiden match, Jayden Lennox gave up runs at an economy rate of 4.20 per over. He kept guys like Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer under control and hardly revealed anything. Pathan posted on his YouTube channel, “Lennox bowled one of the last five overs and bowled outstandingly well.” Bracewell’s contributions were also commended.

Irfan Pathan observed that Bracewell bowled brilliantly even though he wasn’t a huge ball changer.

“Despite not turning the ball much, Michael Bracewell bowled disciplinedly and gave up runs at a rate of 3.40 per over in 10 overs while taking a wicket. Additionally, Bracewell barely revealed anything, particularly when facing right-handers. When it came to discipline, Indian spinners were far less than those in New Zealand. It had a significant role in India’s loss.

Irfan Pathan, on the other hand, believed that India’s spinners lacked the same degree of control and attributed the loss to this. Pathan was especially critical of Kuldeep Yadav’s performance, citing a discernible slowdown. In his ten overs, Kuldeep gave up 82 runs while taking just one wicket.

He also mentioned Ravindra Jadeja’s difficulties, implying that the all-rounder loses effectiveness when circumstances do not favour him greatly. Pathan, however, stated that improved performances are anticipated as the series progresses and encouraged both spinners to respond forcefully in the following game.

“I will draw attention to the fact that Kuldeep Yadav’s speeds are once again declining. Kuldeep used to bowl slowly, but he has now improved. He began bowling quickly, which caused the ball to turn as well. He thus received those revs as well. Is he bowling slowly once more? Is it the cause of the ball’s decreased rotation? Kuldeep needs to reevaluate the necessity of speeding up. He bowls better than giving up 80 runs in 10 overs. In the upcoming game, I anticipate that he will bowl better and try to finish better. When circumstances don’t assist much, Ravindra Jadeja suffers and doesn’t have many options. However, he is also anticipated to perform better.

India will be eager to improve their bowling discipline as the last match approaches. On January 18, India and New Zealand will play each other at Holkar Stadium in Indore.