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Pathan Praises Suryakumar's Grit, Slams India's "Mindless Batting" in T20WC

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised captain Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 84 as a "true captain's" innings that rescued India from a precarious position. However, he sharply criticized the rest of the Indian batting lineup for their "mindless" performance during the T20 World Cup opener against the USA. India suffered a dramatic collapse, slumping to 77/6 after early wickets, despite contributions from Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma. The USA's bowlers, led by Shadley van Schalkwyk's four-wicket haul, effectively contained the Indian batters to restrict them to 161/9.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan on India's T20WC Batting vs USA

  • Suryakumar Yadav's 84* saved India
  • Pathan slams team's "mindless batting"
  • India collapsed to 77/6
  • USA bowlers restricted strong lineup
2 min read

Pathan hails 'true captain' Surya Kumar Yadav; slams India's "mindless batting" during T20WC opener against USA

Irfan Pathan hails Suryakumar Yadav's captain's knock but criticizes India's "mindless batting" in their T20 World Cup opener against the USA.

"When the chips are down, you look to your leader. And Surya Kumar Yadav delivered like a true captain. - Irfan Pathan"

New Delhi, February 7

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan hailed skipper Suryakumar Yadav's magnificent knock in the ICC T20 World Cup opener against the USA at Wankhede Stadium, while also slamming the Men in Blue for their "mindless batting" during the inning.

Surya's masterclass at his home ground, Wankhede Stadium, saved India from embarrassment. After being six down in less than 100 runs, his half-century took India to a respectable total, giving them something to fight for.

Taking to X, Pathan wrote, "When the chips are down, you look to your leader. And Surya Kumar Yadav delivered like a true captain. What an innings."

Meanwhile, on the rest of the batting, he posted, "You have to call it as mindless batting."

Coming to the match, the USA won the toss and opted to field first. After a golden duck dismissal of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (20 in 16 balls, with a four and two sixes) and Tilak Varma (25 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) put on a 37-run partnership. Shadley van Schalkwyk (4/25 in four overs) got both the batters, and from there started India's downfall as they sank to 77/6, with Shivam Dube (0), Rinku Singh (6) and Hardik Pandya (5) disappointing the home crowd. However, skipper Suryakumar (84* in 49 balls, with 10 fours and four sixes) did not give up, taking his side to 161/9 in 20 overs.

Harmeet Singh (2/26), Mohammad Mohsin (1/16) delivered sensational four-over spells, containing a strong Indian line-up.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Watching from the US, and even I could see the panic setting in. Suryakumar's innings was pure class under pressure. But the others looked like they were in a hurry to get back to the pavilion. Need to calm down and build partnerships.
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Priya S
SKY is a true Mumbai boy, saving the day at Wankhede! 😍 That's why he's the captain. But bhai, this is a World Cup, not a gully cricket match. The rest of the batters need to apply themselves. Hope this is a wake-up call.
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Vikram M
While I agree the batting was poor, calling it "mindless" is a bit harsh from a former player. The USA bowled very well, credit to them. It's the first match, nerves were there. The team will bounce back.
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Aman W
The problem is the same old story - top order fails, middle order collapses under pressure. Only one player stands up. We need more players who can absorb pressure like Kohli or Rohit used to. SKY can't do it alone every time.
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Kavya N
Surya bhaiya for a reason! What an incredible knock. He was hitting boundaries at will. But seriously, the others need to support him. Can't rely on one man to win you a World Cup. Let's hope they learn before the big matches.

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