irfan pathan

Yusuf Pathan: Powerhouse all-rounder braces for long innings in politics | Cricket News

Danijones7 months ago04 mins

NEW DELHI: Yusuf Pathan, who made his international debut during India’s triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan is known for his exceptional performances in big matches, Now, as a Trinamool Congress candidate, he is leading seasoned Congressman Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury by a significant margin in the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. Yusuf’s entry into politics has been a surprise, but he remains committed to maintaining his image as a sportsperson while serving his constituency.In a region with a substantial Muslim population, Mamata Banerjee‘s decision to field Yusuf against Chowdhury has proven to be a masterstroke. Despite facing challenges from BJP’s Nirmal Chandra Saha and being labeled an outsider, Yusuf has embraced the fight, often repeating TMC’s slogan, “Khela Hobe” (I’m up for a fight).Yusuf’s cricketing journey is a story of perseverance and dedication. Growing up in Vadodara, he and his brother Irfan were exposed to life’s challenges from an early age. Their father, Mehmood Khan Pathan, worked tirelessly as a muezzin, instilling discipline and faith in his children. Under the guidance of local coach Mehendi Sheikh, Yusuf honed his skills, especially his powerful hitting ability.“Uparwale ka rahem, karam bolein (Call this God’s mercy, blessings), I always feel that I am for big matches, moments,” Yusuf had said after accepting TMC’s offer to switch to politics.“I just have to bat for them. I don’t want to become a politician. I want to keep my image of a sportsperson intact. But after winning, I will work for my constituency and will make sure that I spend at least eight days in a month there,” he had promised.Yusuf’s international debut came three years after Irfan’s, but he quickly established himself as a vital player for India in shorter formats. He was a member of the MS Dhoni-led team that won the 2011 ODI World Cup. However, his most memorable moments came in the IPL, where he captivated fans with a scintillating 37-ball century against Mumbai Indians in 2010 and played a key role in Rajasthan Royals’ title-winning campaign in 2008.Featuring in all matches in 2008, he scored 435 runs at a strike rate of 179.01 and took eight wickets.Pathan joined KKR in 2011 and became a permanent member of the team for seven years.Although Yusuf regrets not featuring in any Tests for India, he now has the opportunity to play a long game in the field of politics. With his determination and commitment to serving his constituency, Yusuf Pathan is poised to make a significant impact in his new role as a politician.(With inputs from PTI)

MS Dhoni: ‘Come on mate, bat for four overs’: Irfan Pathan questions MS Dhoni’s batting position in IPL 2024 | Cricket News

Danijones8 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed bewilderment at Chennai Super Kings’ decision to persistently utilize veteran batter MS Dhoni in a lower batting order position, despite his solid form and the team’s fluctuating match situations.During CSK’s encounter against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, Pathan observed Dhoni entering the fray as low as No. 9, with just eight balls remaining in their innings, a move that left him perplexed.“I know that he is 42, but he is in solid form. He should be taking the responsibility of batting up the order. He should bat for at least four to five overs,” Pathan remarked on Star Sports.Pathan emphasized the need for Dhoni to assume a more prominent batting role, particularly earlier in the innings, rather than being confined to a brief cameo in the final overs. “He is batting for the last over or last 2 overs and that doesn’t serve the purpose for CSK for a long term,” Pathan added.Dhoni’s dismissal for a golden duck further underscored the questionable decision-making regarding his batting position. Pathan highlighted the significance of Dhoni’s contributions, especially in critical match scenarios, urging CSK to reassess their strategy and optimize Dhoni’s batting potential.Acknowledging Dhoni’s impact in previous matches, Pathan stressed the necessity for a proactive approach in utilizing his expertise, especially considering CSK’s playoff aspirations. “When the team needed him, you can’t send Shardul Thakur ahead of yourself. They need to work out something; someone has to tell Dhoni, ‘Come on mate, bat for four overs’,” Pathan added.

MS Dhoni: ‘Don’t do that in a team game’: Irfan Pathan questions MS Dhoni’s decision not to take ‘singles’ | Cricket News

Danijones8 months ago04 mins

NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over MS Dhoni’s decision-making during Chennai Super Kings’ recent clash against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League, with specific focus on Dhoni’s approach towards strike rotation and his struggles against spin bowling.In a match where CSK set Punjab Kings a below-par target of 163 runs, Dhoni’s contribution of 14 off 11 balls came under scrutiny, particularly as Punjab Kings went on to chase down the target comfortably, securing a seven-wicket victory with 13 deliveries to spare. Pathan, speaking on Star Sports, expressed disappointment over Dhoni’s reluctance to take singles, remarking, “He shouldn’t have done that (refusing a single). This is a team game. Don’t do that in a team game. The other guy [Daryl Mitchell] is also an international player. If he had been a bowler, I would have understood it for sure,” Pathan criticized Dhoni’s decision-making, particularly his treatment of New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell. “You have done that with (Ravindra) Jadeja and with Mitchell as well. You don’t need to do that. He could have avoided it,” Pathan added, highlighting the negative impact of Dhoni’s actions on the team dynamic. Pathan also lauded Punjab Kings’ skipper Sam Curran‘s tactical acumen, particularly his decision to introduce spinner Rahul Chahar in the 19th over against Dhoni. “Curran getting a spinner to bowl the 19th over was a masterstroke because considering the form MS Dhoni is in, he could have taken the game way forward in those two overs. He could have scored 30 runs in two overs but they didn’t allow him to do that,” Pathan acknowledged, recognizing the astute captaincy. Reflecting on Dhoni’s struggles against spin bowling, Pathan noted, “You bowled to him with excellent planning. Although a six was hit for sure in Arshdeep’s over, he also bowled well. He (Dhoni) has been unable to score runs against spinners in the last few years, which is why he is bringing himself down the order. He is scoring runs in the last over when the fast bowlers are thinking of bowling yorkers.”Pathan’s critique highlights the tactical intricacies and strategic decisions that unfolded during the CSK vs Punjab Kings encounter.

Hardik Pandya’s vice-captaincy appointment for T20 WC challenged by Irfan Pathan: ‘Bumrah wouldn’t have been bad choice’ | Crickit

Danijones8 months ago07 mins

Hardik Pandya’s tale of woe is well documented in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League. From breaking the hearts of Gujarat Titans fans to upsetting Rohit Sharma faithful by taking over the captaincy reigns, Pandya has been facing the wrath of jeering fans in the IPL 2024. Becoming a staunch critic of Hardik, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan recently took aim at selectors for prioritising the selection of the MI skipper. Pathan has questioned the appointment of India’s new vice-captain for T20 World Cup (AFP-PTI) Launching a fresh attack on Hardik following his return to the Indian side for the T20 World Cup, Pathan questioned the appointment of the new vice-captain. Even though Hardik has struggled to revive MI’s campaign in the IPL 2024, the star all-rounder was picked as Rohit’s deputy for the T20 World Cup. Hardik was also the vice-captain of the Indian team at the 2023 World Cup. However, an ankle injury cut short his campaign in the ICC event last year. HT launches Crick-it, a one stop destination to catch Cricket, anytime, anywhere. Explore now! ‘Hardik held the captaincy but Rohit…’ “Previously, Hardik Pandya held the captaincy, but Rohit Sharma took over for T20 matches. Post T20 World Cup, there was a new plan; they aimed for a younger team with Pandya and Surya as potential captains. Yet, questions arise regarding Pandya’s performance consistency and commitment to Indian cricket. Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential for serving Indian cricket throughout the year. Injuries are inevitable, but proper planning involving consistent match play, including domestic cricket, is vital for a player’s return. But then there’s this one player who returns from injury without fulfilling the same requirements,” Pathan told Star Sports. Hardik escaped ‘Kishan-Iyer’ treatment In the lead-up to the IPL 2024, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan didn’t receive contract extensions for ignoring BCCI’s directive to play in the Ranji Trophy. Pathan had then claimed that Hardik was not judged using the same parameters. All-rounder Hardik was drafted in the Grade A category when the BCCI revealed its annual central contracts list. After recovering from an ankle injury in the build-up to IPL 2024, Hardik made his return to competitive cricket in the DY Patil tournament. ‘Whether you’re Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli…’ “That shouldn’t happen because it sends the wrong message to the rest of the team. When they see one player receiving special treatment, it disrupts the team environment. Cricket isn’t like tennis; it’s a team sport where equality is vital. Every player should be treated fairly and equally. Regardless of whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, cricket is a team sport first and foremost. I’ve witnessed things in the past, particularly during the T20 World Cup last year, that went against the principles of Indian cricket—instances where certain players were given undue advantage, which is unacceptable,” the former India all-rounder added. Hardik’s flop show in IPL 2024 With Hardik succeeding Rohit at MI for IPL 2024, the five-time winners made an awful start to the new season by losing their first three games. Hardik’s MI side is placed ninth in the IPL with six points in 10 matches. Despite flopping with the bat and ball in the IPL 2024, Hardik was added to the Indian side for the T20 World Cup. Instead of appointing Hardik as vice-captain, Irfan argued that the national selectors should have picked pace ace Jasprit Bumrah as Rohit’s deputy for the ICC event. ‘Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice either’ “To succeed in tournaments like the World Cup, it’s imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally. So, now, coming back to your question about Hardik Pandya being vice-captain, I understand the rationale behind it due to the importance of continuity in leadership. However, considering the current performance, the selectors opting for continuity may be understandable. Yet, I believe someone like Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice either,” Pathan concluded.