Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has pointed a critical finger at Ravindra Jadeja's batting approach, labeling his lack of urgency as a decisive factor in India's narrow four-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second One-Day International. The match, played on Wednesday, saw India post a formidable 358 for 5, powered by centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, only for the Proteas to chase it down in the final over.
Pathan's Live Commentary Critique
Pathan, speaking on the show Seedhi Baat, emphasized that his criticism was not based on hindsight but was voiced live during the game's commentary. The flashpoint was Jadeja's unbeaten innings of 24 runs from 27 deliveries, which Pathan felt severely lacked the aggressive intent required during the death overs of an innings.
"Ravindra Jadeja’s 27 off 24 felt extremely slow. We said during commentary — this could hurt India, and in the end, it did," Pathan stated. He highlighted the stark contrast in strike rates, noting that while others were scoring above a run a ball, Jadeja's strike rate of around 88 was a letdown. "The intent from Jadeja was disappointing," he added.
The Crucial Phase Where India 'Left Runs on the Table'
Pathan dissected the pivotal period between the 39th and 49th overs, where India managed to score only 55 runs. This slowdown, according to him, allowed South Africa's bowlers, led by Lungi Ngidi, to claw back into the game and regain control.
"This score could have been 370," Pathan asserted, convinced that India missed a golden opportunity to build an insurmountable total. He credited KL Rahul's magnificent 18-run final over but stressed that South Africa's comeback in the preceding overs was the turning point. Pathan believed that with the ball getting wet and the fielding side likely to struggle, India failed to press their advantage home.
Series Tied Ahead of Decider
With the three-match series now leveled at 1-1, the action moves to Visakhapatnam for the final ODI. Pathan's analysis underscores a clear demand for the Indian team: to combine substantial runs with proactive intent in the series decider. His comments put the spotlight squarely on the middle and lower order's finishing capabilities, which he felt were lacking in Raipur.
The defeat, despite twin centuries, has sparked a debate on batting roles and strike rates in modern ODI cricket, with Jadeja's cameo becoming the central topic of discussion among experts and fans alike.
