Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan described the partnership between Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur as a spectacular sight. With Gaikwad registering his maiden ODI century, Pathan noted that he stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” with Kohli.
Known for his exceptional game awareness and sharp running between the wickets, Kohli found a perfect partner in Gaikwad. After a disappointing performance in his first match as India’s No. 4, the Pune-born batter bounced back in the second ODI on December 3, scoring a brisk 105 off 77 balls to top-score for India.
Together, Gaikwad and Kohli forged a massive 195-run partnership, laying the foundation for India’s total of 358. In a recent video on his YouTube channel ‘Irfan Pathan,’ the 41-year-old lauded Gaikwad for his fearless stroke play and the wide array of shots he executed against various bowling attacks. Pathan further explained:
“Ruturaj Gaikwad impressed alongside Virat Kohli with sensational running between the wickets and chanceless batting. After failing in the first game, he seized his number-four opportunity, showing his ability to play a wide range of shots against both spinners and pacers.”
“Finally, he can step out to spinners and play straight. The range of shots shows his potential as a batter. Gaikwad has seized his opportunity fully and hope he reigns supreme for a long time. The way he ran between the wickets and hit the century, it was shoulder to shoulder with Kohli. It was outstanding to see them bat together,” he added.
Irfan Pathan called Ravindra Jadeja’s innings disappointing for India
In the video, Irfan Pathan noted that Ravindra Jadeja’s 24* off 27 balls stood out as an exception in an innings where nearly every other batter scored at a strike rate above 100.
“KL Rahul’s finish was crucial otherwise India would have fallen even shorter. When I was commentating, I observed Ravindra Jadeja’s innings could put India in trouble and I felt that was the difference in the end. When the total is above 300 and almost everyone has scored at a strike rate of 100 and you have struck at 88, you have batted slow.”
“It happens but Jadeja’s intent was disappointing. It could’ve been better. We anticipated things to be difficult if the ball gets wet. That’s why South Africa were cautious at the start. Jadeja’s innings was disappointing from India’s perspective,” Pathan said.
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