“One player who returns from injury without fulfilling the same requirements”- Irfan Pathan on Hardik Pandya’s T20 World Cup selection

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels Hardik Pandya is receiving special treatment from the Indian selectors which doesn’t send a good message to the rest of the players. Pathan said it is important for a player to prove his mettle in the domestic circuit after returning from an injury before he gets considered for national selection.

Meanwhile, Pandya suffered an ankle injury in the 2023 ODI World Cup and returned to action in the ongoing Indian Premier League to lead Mumbai Indians. Despite Pandya not delivering with either bat or ball for MI, the all-rounder was picked as vice-captain in the T20 World Cup squad.

Pandya has scored 197 runs in 10 matches at an average of 21.89 and a strike rate of 150.38 in IPL 2024. Furthermore, Pandya has picked six wickets in 10 games but he has conceded his runs at a high economy rate of 11.

“Questions arise regarding Pandya’s performance consistency and commitment to Indian cricket. Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential for serving Indian cricket throughout the year. Injuries are inevitable but proper planning involving consistent match play, including domestic cricket is vital for a player’s return. But then there’s this one player who returns from injury without fulfilling the same requirements,” Pathan told TimesofIndia.com.

Pathan said Cricket is a team sport and the Indian board as well as the selectors need to set a good example for other players.

“That shouldn’t happen because it sends the wrong message to the rest of the team. When they see one player receiving special treatment, it disrupts the team environment. Cricket isn’t like tennis. It’s a team sport where equality is vital. Every player should be treated fairly and equally. Regardless of whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned player like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, cricket is a team sport first and foremost,” Pathan added.

Pathan feels Jasprit Bumrah would not have been a bad choice to be Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the T20I showpiece.

“Following the last T20 World Cup, there is a shift in strategy from avoiding senior players to including them for their experience. Clarity in planning is crucial. Previously, Hardik Pandya had the captaincy, but now Rohit Sharma took over for T20 matches. Hardik Pandya being vice-captain, I understand the rationale behind it due to the importance of continuity in leadership. Yet, I believe someone like Bumrah wouldn’t have been a bad choice either,” said Pathan.

MI has registered only three wins in 10 games they have played in IPL 2024.