'Chance For India To Asses Squad Depth': Irfan Pathan Ahead Of Afghanistan ODIs
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan says India's three-match ODI series against Afghanistan beginning Saturday will provide the home team an opportunity to assess squad depth for next year's ICC World Cup.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan says India's three-match ODI series against Afghanistan beginning Saturday will provide the home team an opportunity to assess squad depth for next year's ICC World Cup. Speaking on JioStar, Pathan highlighted the need for players suited to South African conditions, saying the selection of tall pacer Gurnoor Brar was aimed at preparing for pitches offering pace and bounce. The series-opener will be held in Dharamsala, followed by games on June 17 and 20.
"Gurnoor Brar has been selected because the Indian management wants a bowler who can exploit the pace and bounce expected on South African pitches in the 2027 World Cup. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, he gets natural extra bounce," Pathan said.
He also backed Ishan Kishan as a valuable option, praising his ability against short-pitched bowling and his versatility as a batter and wicketkeeper.
"Ishan Kishan fits that role perfectly. He plays the short ball well, scores square of the wicket, and can serve as a backup opener, a backup at number three behind Virat, and a backup wicketkeeper," he said.
Pathan stressed the importance of fast-bowling all-rounders in South Africa and said players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube should get more opportunities in ODIs ahead of the World Cup.
On Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Pathan said their contrasting strengths could prove decisive.
"Rohit Sharma's biggest strength is his ability to handle short-pitched bowling. He has exceptional timing and gets into position early. In South Africa, where bowlers get both swing and extra bounce, Rohit is the ideal batter to punish anything short," he said.
"Coming to Virat Kohli, he brings immense experience to the middle order. In ODIs, no one does it better than him. Batting at number three, his records speak for themselves. If India lose an early wicket, he is the man to rebuild the innings. He loves batting long, and when it comes to chasing, he is the best in the world."
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India Cricket Team
Afghanistan
Irfan Pathan
Rohit Sharma