Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan criticised Ravindra Jadeja's slow batting in the second ODI loss to South Africa.
Pathan believes Jadeja's lack of urgency, scoring 24 off 27 balls, cost India crucial runs. Despite centuries from Kohli
and Gaikwad, the team failed to capitalise fully, allowing South Africa to chase a formidable target.
Ravindra Jadeja plays a shot during the second ODI in Raipur. (PTI Photo)
NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has slammed Ravindra Jadeja’s lack of urgency with the bat, calling the
left-hander’s slow finish a “crucial difference” in India’s four-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second ODI on
Wednesday. Despite centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad powering India to 358/5, South Africa chased the
target down in the final over, leaving Pathan convinced that India “left runs on the table.”Go Beyond The Boundary with
our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The flashpoint for Pathan was Jadeja’s unbeaten 24 off 27 balls, an innings he felt
lacked the aggression demanded at the death. “Ravindra Jadeja’s 27 off 24 felt extremely slow. We said during commentary
— this could hurt India, and in the end, it did,” Pathan said on Seedhi Baat. “If everyone is striking above a run a
ball and you’re at 88 strike rate, the innings lacked urgency. The intent from Jadeja was disappointing.”
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Pathan insisted his criticism was not “hindsight analysis,” emphasising that the warning was raised live during the
game. With a mammoth score on the cards in Raipur, he said India failed to push their advantage when it mattered most.
“India were in a strong position. The ball was getting wet, the fielding side would struggle later. But Jadeja not
pulling his weight with the bat became a disappointing factor,” he added.
Did Ravindra Jadeja's performance impact India's chances of winning the ODI against South Africa?
Yes, it was crucial No, other factors played a bigger role
Pathan credited South Africa for a late bowling surge, pointing out that India managed only 55 runs between overs 39 and
49, allowing the visitors to regain control. “This score could have been 370. The way Lungi Ngidi and the others pulled
things back was outstanding. KL Rahul’s 18 runs in the final over were magnificent, but it was crucial how South Africa
clawed back.” With the series tied 1–1, India head to Vizag needing both runs and intent — something Pathan clearly