Irfan Pathan Reveals The Bowler He Would Have Loved To Partner With
Published - 23 Jun 2020, 04:30 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:30 AM
Amongst the many achievements Irfan Pathan accomplished in his start-stop career, he would be remembered as a lost talent. He announced his retirement from international cricket in January, having played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20 internationals. Not only did Irfan Pathan played an integral role in India’s 2007 World T20 triumph but also had a Test hat-trick to his name.
In an interaction with an ESPN Cricinfo’s presenter, Irfan disclosed the name of a bowler he would have loved to partner with. It is none other than Jasprit Bumrah, who is India’s fast-bowling spearhead across formats. Having made his international debut in 2016, Bumrah has been a revelation. The 26-year old has an economy rate of 2.91, 3.80, and 4.00 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is respectively and is known for executing yorkers to perfection.
Bumrah made his Test debut in 2018 and already has 68 wickets from 14 fixtures at 20.39 along with five five-wicket hauls. While his recent form has dipped, especially considering his Test and ODI performances in New Zealand. Across three ODIs against the Kiwis, the lanky pacer couldn’t pick up even one wicket. However, experts have backed him to bounce back strongly. Nevertheless, Pathan and Bumrah bowling in tandem would have been a treat to watch.
Irfan Pathan urges sportspersons to voice out their opinions on social issues:
Apart from cricket, Irfan Pathan moved on to discuss how cricketers or sportspeople can take the country forward as a whole. The 35-year old believes that if athletes reveal their views on sensitive issues, it will broaden the minds of others too; however, out of fears and insecurities, they maintain silence.
“Ideally, if cricketers or sports stars can come out and talk about issues plaguing society, then it will only take the country forward. But simply saying “hamara desh mahan hai” won’t help. We need to walk the talk.
If you ask why others don’t talk about sensitive issues, then I feel they have insecurities. For example, a commentator ends up losing his job for praising the opposition because a film star tweets against him. These are insecurities. So, if we can assure them security then they will come out and talk.”
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