Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan blamed Ravindra Jadeja’s slow batting for the Men in Blue’s dramatic four-wicket loss in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on December 3.
After a strong start from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who both smashed stunning centuries, the Indian cricket team seemed on track to set a huge total on the board against South Africa. But in the last ten overs, the hosts could manage only 74 runs in Raipur.
India slip in final overs in Raipur ODI, as South Africa level series
However, KL Rahul tried to push the score with a quick 66 not out off 43 balls, but the lower order couldn’t keep up the pace. Ravindra Jadeja, who returned to the ODI team in the ongoing three-match ODI series, came in the 42nd over on the flat pitch in Raipur.
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The Indian all-rounder stayed unbeaten on 24 off 27 balls, hitting just two boundaries when fast runs were needed. Jadeja made those runs at a strike rate of 88.89, which was the second lowest in the Indian innings among batters who faced at least 20 balls in ODIs.
They could post 358/5 on the board in their 50 overs because of the slow scoring at the end. Later, South Africa chased down the target in 49.2 overs and leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1 against India. Now, the series decider will be played in Vishakhapatnam on December 6.
Intent from Ravindra Jadeja was disappointing: Irfan Pathan
After the Raipur ODI, Irfan Pathan said that Jadeja’s innings was disappointing and highlighted how crucial lower-order finishing is in tight matches. The former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan pointed out that Jadeja’s lack of urgency hurt India’s chances of posting an even bigger total.
Pathan said in a video on his YouTube channel, “There was one issue for me. Ravindra Jadeja’s innings, which was 27 balls for 24 not out, felt extremely slow. During commentary we were saying that this could hurt India, and in the end that became the difference.
If you are in such a strong position, above 300, and everyone is striking above a run a ball while you are at 88, it clearly means the innings lacked urgency. Sometimes a slower innings happens, and that is fine, but the intent from Jadeja was disappointing.”
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Irfan Pathan slams Ravindra Jadeja for costly slow innings against South Africa
The commentator slammed Ravindra Jadeja for not showing intent when the team needed it the most, especially knowing that dew would make chasing easier for South Africa in Raipur. Pathan has stressed that Jadeja’s slow batting didn’t help India in the final overs.
He signed off by saying, “The intent could have been better. And I am not saying this in hindsight. We said it during commentary as well. It looked like the ball would get wet, which always causes problems for the fielding side. South Africa’s plan was to start carefully. But Jadeja not pulling his weight with the bat became a disappointing factor for India.”
Notably, the new ODI rule has made death-overs batting much tougher. Now only one ball is used after the 34th over, so it gets old and soft quickly, making hitting harder. Earlier, two balls were used, helping batters hit big shots since the ball remains hard.