Irfan Pathan questions Ravindra Jadeja's intent after India's 4-wicket loss to South Africa in 2nd ODI

Former India's star all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels Ravindra Jadeja's slow batting was one of the reasons behind India's four-wicket loss to South Africa in the second ODI in Raipur. India appeared poised to post a colossal total following outstanding centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who provided a strong foundation. However, the momentum significantly stalled in the final ten overs, during which the hosts could only manage 74 runs.

Ravindra Jadeja's batting blamed for India's loss to SA

Although KL Rahul contributed a brisk yet unbeaten 66 off 43 balls to push the score, the lower order failed to maintain the required pace. Ravindra Jadeja arrived at the crease in the 42nd over on what was described as a flat pitch in Raipur. Unfortunately, his contribution was less than impactful for the circumstances.

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The veteran India all-rounder finished unbeaten on 24 runs off 27 balls, managing only two boundaries when the team desperately needed quick runs. Jadeja's innings was played at a strike rate of 88.89, marking the second-lowest among all Indian batters who faced at least 20 deliveries in the match. Ultimately, India was restricted to 358/5 in their 50 overs due to the slow scoring rate at the death. South Africa successfully chased down the target in 49.2 overs, leveling the three-match ODI series at 1-1. The series decider is now scheduled for December 6 in Visakhapatnam.

Irfan Pathan criticizes lack of urgency

Following the disappointing result in the Raipur ODI, Pathan publicly criticized Jadeja's innings, labeling it as a key failure. Pathan emphasised the critical importance of effective lower-order finishing, especially in tightly contested matches, and specifically pointed out that Jadeja’s lack of urgency severely hampered India's prospects of posting a much larger, series-winning total against South Africa.

“There was one issue for me. Ravindra Jadeja’s innings, which was 27 balls for 24 not out, felt extremely slow. During commentary we were saying that this could hurt India, and in the end that became the difference," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

"If you are in such a strong position, above 300, and everyone is striking above a run a ball while you are at 88, it clearly means the innings lacked urgency. Sometimes a slower innings happens, and that is fine, but the intent from Jadeja was disappointing.”

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Pathan further stated that Jadeja's intent could have been better. He specifically highlighted that, given the known presence of dew in Raipur, which typically makes chasing significantly easier for the opposition, Jadeja's obligation to score quickly was even greater. Pathan strongly stressed that Jadeja's slow batting decisively hindered India's effort in the crucial final overs of the innings.

“The intent could have been better. And I am not saying this in hindsight. We said it during commentary as well. It looked like the ball would get wet, which always causes problems for the fielding side. South Africa’s plan was to start carefully. But Jadeja not pulling his weight with the bat became a disappointing factor for India,” Pathan concluded.