Despite Ruturaj Gaikwad‘s failure in the first ODI in Ranchi, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan commended the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management for having faith in him. After being assigned to the unfamiliar No. 4 position, Gaikwad scored just eight runs in the first game of the series, raising concerns about his position in the starting lineup.
He silenced his detractors and validated the team’s support, though, with a commanding 105 off 83 balls in the second ODI against South Africa.
“In a single match, nothing occurs. The management is deserving of praise. Gaikwad demonstrated his abilities, and even his sprinting between the wickets was superb. With Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma in the reserves, Ruturaj Gaikwad made sure with his century that there would be no more enquiries about starting him at number four for some time. Ruturaj Gaikwad has assured the management and selectors that even if you bat at an unusual number, I’ll still produce by delivering at No. 4,” Pathan stated on his YouTube page.
The performance of India’s pace attack, which included Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, disappointed both fans and pundits after the second ODI because they were unable to stop South Africa from successfully pursuing 359.
However, Pathan highlighted that the fast bowlers also require ongoing support, particularly in difficult circumstances, using Gaikwad’s comeback as an example.
Would Ruturaj Gaikwad have struck a century if India had dropped him following his failure in the first ODI, as I mentioned for the fast bowlers? No. It’s crucial to keep going because of this,” Pathan stated.
In an attempt to avoid consecutive losses in the 50-over format, India will play South Africa in the series-deciding third ODI on Saturday, December 6. The Men in Blue will be eager to recover from their recent 2-1 loss to Australia in an away series. Experienced players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who both have stellar histories at the location, will be expected to step up and lead India to a series-clinching victory in the decider, which is scheduled to take place in Visakhapatnam.
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