Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared a big opinion about Marco Jansen and Jasprit Bumrah after India’s 408-run defeat in the second Test against South Africa. The loss confirmed a 0–2 whitewash for the hosts. Jansen was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his all-round performance, scoring 93 runs in the first innings and taking six wickets.
He finished the series with 12 wickets and played a key role in South Africa’s victory. Irfan suggested that Jansen had a bigger impact than Bumrah in the series, which he felt was a worrying sign.
“Marco Jansen has gone ahead of Bumrah. If we talk of impact in batting, bowling, the way he was getting bounce and getting wickets. Our fast bowlers, who we think are the best, if we think Bumrah is the best, if someone is going ahead of him in wickets and impact, we are lagging,” he said on his YouTube channel.
India also had trouble facing spin bowling during the entire series, as South Africa’s spinners controlled both matches. Irfan Pathan stressed the importance of selecting players who can handle spin by giving chances to those performing well in domestic cricket. He also raised concerns over leaving out players like Sarfaraz Khan.
“You will have to award players who are doing well in domestic cricket and batting well against spin. If someone like Sarfaraz is out, at least on pure cricketing reasons, it is beyond my understanding as to why such players are not in the team. You will have to bring them in. Otherwise, you will have clearly evident problems,” he added.
Irfan Pathan Sends Strong Reminder To India Before Upcoming Series
Irfan Pathan also cautioned India before their upcoming Test matches. He stressed the importance of identifying and preparing batters who are strong against spin. India’s next Test series will be in August 2026 on their tour of Sri Lanka, followed by an away series in New Zealand in November 2026.
Their next Test series at home will be against Australia starting in January 2027.
“You are playing five Tests against Australia at home next, against Sri Lanka away, you will get conditions where you will have to play spin well and you need to prepare for it from now. Target players who play spin well, track their performances and give them more chances. Back them. Give them all the games and stability,” he said.
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