After being overheard talking about KL Rahul’s batting tactics during the first Test match between South Africa and India in Centurion, Irfan Pathan apologized to Sunil Gavaskar live on television. Gavaskar, who had been enamored with the former all-rounder’s assessment of Rahul’s batting, rejected his apology.
Rahul hit four maximums and fourteen boundaries in his 101 (137) first-inning performance against the Proteas. As for Irfan, he was heard saying to the Little Master, “Sorry, sir,” perhaps realizing he had been shouting for too long.
Irfan Pathan evaluation of Rahul’s balance during that particular innings left Sunil Gavaskar speechless.
“To begin with, Sunny Sir indicated that he should play beneath his head in terms of technique. When a hitter is playing the ball, it’s always up for debate whether he’s extending his legs forward or backward. Rahul is doing the essential thing, which is to let the ball come to him. But aside from that, the placement of his bat was an excellent part of his batting.
The bat is angled somewhat behind his hands, not in line with them. That gives you a little bit more time. You’ll fumble and have to play the ball on your toes if you don’t. On Day 1, during the lunch break, Irfan Pathan stated, “That’s where the chances of an edge increased.”
He said, “Sir, I apologize,” to which Sunil Gavaskar replied, “No problem.”
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