Pathan said Hardik excelled but struggled once slower, low-bounce pitches required footwork
MULLANPUR
India’s 51-run defeat to South Africa in the second T20I has sparked sharp criticism from former all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who questioned Hardik Pandya’s approach and expressed concern over the form of Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Chasing 214, India needed an aggressive middle-overs push, but Pandya managed only 20 off 23 balls, striking a lone six. The sluggish knock came in stark contrast to his explosive half-century at over 200 strike rate in the first game. Pathan said the all-rounder looked comfortable on a batting-friendly surface earlier in the series but struggled on a pitch that required footwork and adaptability.
“Just a day ago, Hardik looked solid, but on a surface offering something to the bowlers, his stand-and-deliver method didn’t click,” Pathan wrote on X, noting that Pandya appeared stuck when the ball lacked pace and bounce.
India’s top order also faltered, with vice-captain Shubman Gill falling for a first-ball duck after scoring only four in the opening match. Pathan called Gill’s T20I form a “big worry” with the World Cup just two months away.
He also highlighted Suryakumar Yadav’s extended slump. The skipper has averaged around 15 in 2025 without a single half-century, raising concerns about India’s middle-order stability.
Pathan didn’t spare the bowlers either, pointing to India’s lack of control. The attack delivered 13 full tosses and conceded 23 extras, allowing South Africa to post a daunting 213.
“How do you negate that? These are the questions India needs to answer going forward,” Pathan added, urging the team to find solutions quickly as preparations intensify for the World Cup.
India now trail 1-1 in the five-match series.
