Irfan Pathan Warns of Risks as Top Players Skip Domestic Cricket

Irfan Pathan points out the lack of red-ball domestic cricket experience on turning tracks and suggests top Indian players skipping it could harm long-term performance.

India’s rare 0-3 Test series defeat to New Zealand raises questions about Indian batters’ spin play. Sehwag calls it “terrible,” Pathan points to lack of domestic cricket.

India’s 0-3 Whitewash: An Unprecedented Defeat at Home

In a historic and humbling series, India suffered a rare 0-3 Test series whitewash at home against New Zealand, capped off by a final loss at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. 

The Indian side not only faced an unexpected clean sweep but also saw their once-dominant batting lineup crumble against New Zealand’s spinners, who accounted for 47 of the 57 Indian wickets. 

This defeat has sparked widespread criticism from cricket veterans who are questioning India’s preparedness and technique, particularly on spinning tracks.

Pathan Attributes Defeat to Lack of Domestic Cricket

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan pointed to a critical factor often overlooked: India’s top batters not participating in domestic cricket, particularly on turning pitches. 

Pathan shared a conversation he had with his brother Yusuf Pathan, highlighting that the absence of red-ball cricket experience at home has impacted senior batters. 

Former Indian Cricketer Virendra Sehwag Critiques India’s Disastrous 3-0 Whitewash by NZ

This, combined with a shift towards flat and grassy pitches, has led to a lack of exposure to spin-friendly surfaces. 

Pathan warned that if this trend continues, Indian batters might struggle more on turning tracks in future home series.

Despite the series outcome, Rohit Sharma took accountability, admitting he fell short in both batting and leadership. 

“From a personal point of view, I wasn’t at my best with both bat and as a captain,” he stated, emphasising the collective performance gap as the main reason for the defeat.

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