"Didn't Like What He Said": Irfan Pathan Slams David Warner For Criticizing Shikhar Dhawan

Former India fast bowler Irfan Pathan has come out in defense of opener Shikhar Dhawan after his SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) teammate David Warner criticized him for never wanting to take strike first against fast bowlers. In a recent Instagram chat with senior Team India member Rohit Sharma, David Warner had jokingly said that Shikhar Dhawan does not wants to take strike first against fast bowlers but wants to take strike if spinners are bowling in the first over.

Irfan Pathan: I disagree with what David Warner said

Irfan Pathan was of the opinion that something’s should not be said. He also added Warner would probably not take strike on a rank turner and one should not say things like this. Pathan also recalled that Shikhar Dhawan had his first century against Australia where he had to face plenty of fast bowlers.

“I disagree with what he said. If I put Warner on a rank turner, even he wouldn’t be comfortable, he might ask Steve Smith to play. There are certain things one shouldn’t say. So I personally didn’t like what he was trying to say,” Pathan said.

“I remember your first ton was against Australia. No matter whether you play against Australia at home or away from home, you have to play their fast bowlers. Talking about Champions Trophy, you faced many fast bowlers and scored runs against them,” Pathan told Dhawan.

Dhawan has been a valuable player for India in the ICC events. He has contributed to the fore. Recently, he has been in and out of the team due to injuries but continues to be an integral part of the side.

The southpaw averages 40.61 in Tests and 45.14. In normalcy, he would have been sharing the SRH dressing room with Warner in the IPL 2020 at the moment.