Irfan Pathan Questions India’s Batting After Melbourne Showdown
Former Indian cricket star Irfan Pathan has openly criticized India’s batting performance after the team’s heavy defeat to Australia in the second T20I at Melbourne. Pathan, known for his frank assessment of India’s on-field strategies, highlighted Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood, and warned that India’s batters must regroup quickly if they are to compete in the series.
The match in Melbourne saw Australia’s bowlers execute a tight plan, with Hazlewood extracting pace and movement that troubled the Indian openers early. Pathan pointed to the Indian top order’s inability to convert starts into meaningful partnerships, a pattern that many observers had noted across recent fixtures. He stressed that a productive approach at the crease is essential in the shortest format, where margins are razor-thin and each over carries amplified pressure.
Hazlewood’s Dominance and India’s Struggles
Josh Hazlewood’s spell was a focal point of the game, as the Australian quick used the conditions to his advantage, pinning down Indian batsmen and consistently hitting the right lengths. Pathan emphasized that Hazlewood’s control exemplified how a disciplined fast bowler can neutralize even talented lineups when the chase requires steady accumulation rather than aggressive but reckless shot selection.
From India’s perspective, Pathan argued that the batting order failed to adapt to the state of play in Melbourne. The inability to rotate strike, manage dot balls, and maintain tempo during the powerplay were cited as recurring issues. In T20 cricket, Pathan noted, teams need a balance of risk and restraint, and India appeared to drift toward obligations instead of executing a clear game plan.
What Needs to Change for India
According to Pathan, the solution starts with rethinking the top order’s approach to the innings. He urged Indian batters to play with intent but with a sense of judgment—recognizing when to push the pace and when to consolidate. The former all-rounder also hinted at the importance of backing young talent with consistent opportunities, arguing that confidence under pressure translates to better decisions in tight moments.
Beyond the top order, Pathan highlighted the need for better partnerships and clearer roles in the middle and lower order. In a format where one or two big over reductions can alter the trajectory of a chase, constant partnerships and quick runs are invaluable. The call was for a practical, adaptable batting plan tailored to Melbourne’s conditions, rather than a rigid blueprint that may not fit the present match situation.
Support for the Bowling Unit
While critical of the batting, Pathan also acknowledged the Australian bowlers’ quality and execution. He suggested that India’s bowlers must be prepared to respond with variations, smarter field placements, and pressure-building strategies in the next games. A more varied bowling attack could help India defend totals or chase more comfortably against strong Australian line-ups.
Looking Ahead
The series between India and Australia remains closely watched, with fans expecting a compelling comeback performance from India. Pathan’s remarks add to a broader discourse about India’s balance and depth in the shortest format. If the team can adjust its approach, especially at the crease, there is still plenty of cricket to be played, and a road map to winning strategies can be refined through these challenging fixtures.
As the tour progresses, all eyes will be on how well India adapts to conditions, integrates new-and-less-experienced players, and implements a cohesive plan under pressure. The Melbourne result has reignited conversations about the fast-format strategy that India must perfect to compete at the highest level.
