Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan didn’t mince words as he blamed Ravindra Jadeja’s lack of intent for India’s four-wicket defeat in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday (December 3).
Asked to bat first, the Men in Blue racked up 358/5 in their allotted 50 overs on the back of centuries from Virat Kohli (102 off 93), Ruturaj Gaikwad (105 off 83) and stand-in skipper KL Rahul’s unbeaten 66 from 43 balls.
The hosts managed only 74 runs in last 10 overs, even though the middle order set the platform for a strong finish. Jadeja, batting at No. 7, faced 27 balls for an unbeaten 24.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan said Jadeja’s knock was extremely disappointing as it slowed the team down at a time when quick runs were desperately needed.
“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,” Pathan stated.
In reply, the Proteas rode on Aiden Markram’s ton (110 off 98) and crucial contributions from Matthew Breetzke (68 off 64), Dewald Brevis (54 off 34) and Corbin Bosch (29* off 15) to overhaul the target with four wickets as many deliveries to spare, leveling the series 1-1.
Dew in the second innings made life difficult for Indian bowlers as pacer Prasidh Krishna leaked 85 runs in 8.2 overs and Harshit Rana conceded 70 runs in 10 overs. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was also taken to cleaners, returning with bowling figures of 2/78 in 10 overs.
According to Pathan, India needed an additional cushion of runs because dew was expected to play a huge part in the chase.
“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,” he remarked.
With this loss, India allowed South Africa to level the three-match series 1-1. The series-deciding third ODI will take place in Visakhapatnam on Saturday (December 6).
