Irfan Pathan slams Gautam Gambhir’s critics over Ishan Kishan’s No.5 slot in 1st T20I
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has defended head coach Gautam Gambhir following criticism over Ishan Kishan’s batting at No.5 in India’s first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday (October 22). Pathan revealed that Kishan had a streak of grimaces during the opening race, prompting the team management to change the batting order.
Kishan, who usually bats at the top three positions, was placed at No.5 after Tilak Varma was promoted to No.3. The decision has raised questions, especially after both the batsmen struggled during the chase in India. However, India claimed a thrilling four-wicket victory chasing a target of 226, they lead 1-0 in the five-game series.
Pathan took to social media to explain the circumstances behind the decision and urged critics to understand the situation before questioning Gambhir’s tactics. The former cricketer felt that the criticism leveled at the Indian head coach was premature given that Kishan was not fully fit during the match.
“So, Ishan Kishan had a niggle during the first T20, which is why he batted lower in the order,” Pathan wrote.
“But everyone was quick to go after Gautam Gambhir to change the batting order. Criticizing him has become a popular past time these days.”
“WAIT UNTIL YOU PASS JUDGMENT”
Kishan had a short run in the first T20I, scoring just one run off three deliveries before being dismissed by Mitchell Santner. Tilak Varma also failed to make his mark as he managed six runs off 11 balls. Despite early setbacks, India completed the chase in 19.4 overs with Sanju Samson scoring 67 off 33 balls and Shreyas Iyer contributing 42 off 28 deliveries.
Pathan also urged people to avoid making assumptions without knowing the whole story.
“Please take a moment before passing judgement. Don’t jump to conclusions without knowing the whole story,” Pathan wrote.
“And that goes for everything in life. In the rush to get ‘views’ and ‘numbers’ on social media, you can end up hurting someone without knowing the whole story. Think before you judge.”
Meantime, Kishan was ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand after suffering a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener. Indian batsman Sitanshu Kotak said he will be replaced by teenage batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
After winning the opener, Shreyas Iyer’s India will be looking for a 2-0 lead in the second T20I at Hagley Oval.
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