Irfan Pathan Urges India to Prioritize Victory Over Net Run Rate in T20 World Cup
India's Crucial T20 World Cup Match Against Zimbabwe
As India gears up for a critical T20 World Cup match against Zimbabwe, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan emphasized the importance of focusing on winning rather than worrying about net run rate. He suggested that captain Suryakumar Yadav should bat at the number three position.
India's Current Standing
Following a significant 76-run defeat against South Africa, which marked their largest loss in T20 World Cup history, India now finds itself in a precarious situation. They must rely on South Africa to remain unbeaten while also winning their next two matches against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. If these conditions are not met, India's fate will hinge on their net run rate, which currently sits in the negatives, making it challenging to surpass the West Indies and South Africa, who have net run rates above +5 and +3, respectively.
Winning Should Be the Priority
During a discussion on JioStar's 'Follow the Blues', Irfan stated, "I hope the strategy of playing for net run rate doesn't influence the start of the game. Winning should be the primary goal. Focus on performing well and securing the win first. Only after that should the run rate come into consideration. Chasing the net run rate of teams like the West Indies is nearly impossible, requiring victories by margins of 100 runs, which is quite difficult in T20 cricket. I sincerely hope that the Indian team prioritizes winning in their upcoming matches."
Proposed Changes to the Top Order
India's batting lineup has been heavily left-handed, featuring Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma. However, except for Ishan, the other two have struggled throughout the tournament. Abhishek has only managed 15 runs in four innings, including three consecutive ducks, while Tilak has scored 107 runs in five innings but with a strike rate of just over 118, which does not align with India's aggressive T20 style. Both players have faced difficulties against off-spinners.
Irfan's Thoughts on Suryakumar Yadav's Position
Irfan believes that Suryakumar Yadav's cautious batting approach, reflected in his mid-130s strike rate, is understandable given Abhishek's struggles. He suggested that while it may not be ideal to expose Surya to the new ball, moving him to number three could help diversify the batting order and create a left-right combination. "I think Surya can bat at number three. From the team's perspective, I understand Surya's conservative approach, especially since Abhishek has been dismissed early. In the last match, Ishan Kishan was out in the first over. You want to avoid exposing Suryakumar Yadav at number three when he excels in the middle overs with a strike rate of 160. A single good delivery could dismiss him. However, they should consider batting Suryakumar at number three to break the pattern of having three left-handers at the top," he explained.
Team Squads
India Squad: Ishan Kishan(w), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson.
Zimbabwe Squad: Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza.