Irfan Pathan was once hailed as a potential successor to Kapil Dev in the Indian team. He was a capable swing bowler with a hat-trick in Test matches and a century and similar record in ODIs as well.
When Greg Chappell took over as the coach of the Indian team in 2005, Pathan got opportunities to showcase his batting a lot more, often batting at no.3 in both formats and many thought that this was one reason behind his bowling skills going down.
Now Pathan has revealed that it was in fact Sachin Tendulkar who pushed for his promotion in the batting order. It was the first match of the ODI series between India and Sri Lanka in 2005 in Nagpur and Pathan’s promotion saw him score a scintillating 83 off 70 balls as India thrashed Sri Lanka by 152 runs.
“I had said this after I had announced my retirement as well. Those who talk about Greg Chappell spoiling my career, by sending me as an all-rounder at No. 3 and all these things… Actually, it was Sachin paaji’s idea. He advised Rahul Dravid to send me at No. 3. He said ‘he (Irfan) has the power to hit sixes, can take on the new ball and can play the fast bowlers well too,” Pathan told Raunak Kapoor on his channel Beyond The Field.
Irfan Pathan was one of the bright spots in Greg Chappell-Rahul Dravid era in Indian cricket and his batting really came to fore during those times. He even opened the innings many times helping India play an extra bowler or batsman as per needs.
“It was tried for the first time in the series against Sri Lanka when Muralitharan was at his peak, and the idea was to attack him as well. [Dilhara] Fernando back then had started the concept of the split-finger slower ball. Batsmen didn’t understand that too well, so the belief was if I could pull it off, it could work in our favor, especially since it was the first match of the series. It’s not true that Greg Chappell spoiled my career. Since he was not from India, it is easier to make him a punching,” Pathan said.
"Insecurities" don't let other cricketers speak on sensitive issues, says Irfan Pathan
Pathan instead blamed the team management of not communicating with him as his career in the Indian team grew. Pathan had a rampant start to his career, becoming the fastest Indian bowler to take 100 ODI wickets (in 59 matches). This was broken by Mohammad Shami 13 years later.
As things progressed, Pathan’s role changed and from a new-ball bowler, he went on to become the first or second change. From 100 wickets in 59 games, Pathan’s next 73 would require another 61 matches.
“The people who have really harmed me, about that I’d just say that they didn’t support me the way they should have. We played a match against Sri Lanka in 2008 and I helped India win it when 60 odd runs were needed off 28 and seven wickets had fallen. I had taken wickets in that match and before that had picked up four wickets from two games. I dismissed Sanath Jayasuriya three times in that series,” Pathan said.
He then revealed that he was subsequently dropped from the team on the tour to New Zealand, though he admitted he also suffered injuries. But rued the fact that no roadmap was given to him for his return, hurting his chances for a comeback.
