Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Naman Dhir and Nitish Kumar Reddy were the two biggest positives from the New Zealand T20I series. The fifth and final match was played in Hamilton on Sunday, November 1.
Chasing 192, opener Tim Seifert top-scored with 93 off 50 balls as the hosts won by seven wickets with 12 balls to spare. Meanwhile, India clinched the series 3-2.
Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Pathan praised Dhir’s batting and the calmness he displayed. He also expressed his desire to see the 26-year-old receive more opportunities, adding that his bowling should be utilised as well. Dhir scored 138 runs in five innings at an average of 46.00 and a strike rate of 200.00. Pathan said:
“The two biggest positives for me were, first, Naman Dhir’s batting and the calmness he showed, which was really impressive. Going forward, I would like to see Naman Dhir get as many opportunities as possible, but at the same time, his bowling should also be utilised. I really think he has it in him to make an impact with the ball as well. Overall, Naman Dhir has been a big positive for the team in this series.”
Pathan then highlighted Reddy’s bowling workload as another positive, noting that he bowled regularly and picked up wickets. He said:
“Secondly, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s bowling and the workload he has been given have been positive aspects. He has regularly got opportunities to bowl, including in the final over. He has also picked up wickets at regular intervals. So, in terms of bowling workload, Nitish Kumar Reddy has been a real positive for Team India as well. If you think about the long-term picture, you need to develop him further as an all-rounder and take him forward in that role. The fact that he has been given these opportunities is very important.”
The all-rounder picked up four wickets in five innings at an economy rate of 11.29 while contributing 71 runs at an average of 35.50 and a strike rate of 165.11.
Irfan Pathan urges India to prepare for life without Jasprit Bumrah after NZ series
In the same video, Irfan Pathan stated that India need to prepare for life with and without Jasprit Bumrah, noting that he remains the only seamer capable of delivering in all phases and match situations. He added that the team must provide more opportunities to other fast bowlers. He said:
“We also need to prepare for life with Bumrah and life without Bumrah because that time will eventually come, whether it’s in four or five years. Hopefully, we are fortunate enough to have Bumrah playing as much as possible. Bumrah is the only bowler who can lead the attack in every phase, so we will have to give more and more fast bowlers opportunities.”
Team India will next take on New Zealand in a five-match ODI series, beginning on November 4.
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Edited by Dev Sharma
