Irfan Pathan India's new All rounder?

[aussie1st]

India have promoted Irfan to number 3. I don't think it was cause they wanted quick runs as they have a number of guys who can do that. I think India believe Pathan has a future in the top order.
What do you guys think?

 

[ZexyZahid]

I believed after seeing his innings during this year he had good batting skills. (especially when he got a fifty against Pakistan). Too bad he always came in the end and had to play with tailenders, so he couldn't have big partnerships.

But finally he is given a chance today and now he is showing his worth. I hope he will stay at that spot for some ODI's. He already made 43 runs so far. Not bad for a first innings at that spot.

 

[aussie1st]

Pathan gets a 50. I think this is a very good move. He has outscored Tendulkar!

 

[ZexyZahid]

50 runs of 41 balls. This will surely keep him at that spot for some time.

 

[aussie1st]

You would think so. It would be good to see how he goes in that spot.

 

[ZexyZahid]

Well this is a good comparison what he did today. And he is still not out.

Pathan 68 runs of 43 balls.
Tendulkar 68 runs of 73 balls.

 

[aussie1st]

Finished up with 84 off 70, what a knock. 4 6s as well. I wish Aus tried doing the same thing with Lee maybe he would come off as well.

 

[ZexyZahid]

They could try it against West Indies. If Lee fails there is plenty of back up to make it up.

 

[aditya123]

One thing I`ve noticed is that its ben non-Indians excited about Pathan`s knock !
Great !!!
I o believe Pathan has a future with the bat as well especially after seeing a knock against Australia in the 1t test (though after the match was alrady lost)

 

[aussie1st]

I liked what I saw of him when he was last in Aus and this was against the best attack in the world.

As for Lee, unlike India Aus don't have their top order open. Basically impossible to fit him in unless Aus take a punt somewhere which is highly unlikely. Ponting isn't going to move, Martyn no way, Clarke, Hussey, Symonds. Just way too many batters infront of Lee.

 

[SaiSrini]

I second that!

I believe Pathan has all the makings to be the next greatest all rounder in international cricket! (And I say here that "HE HAS THE MAKINGS"!). He isnt actually yet on the road to glory! But he will enter that road and traverse on it soon!

P.s: Like aditya, I am also impressed that quite an amount of non-Indians are discussing about India's performance! Will India get what the fans have been dreaming for so long? Time should definitely tell

 

[Ashish_Nehra]

if irfan consistently plays at 3, he certainly is

 

[Indiangod]

Ifran pathan in the last 5 innings has showed he is capable of getting big scores he is stays in for a bit, I think Pathan will indeed be the next Indian all rounder, who knows he could be one of the games greatest I think pathan can be the next wasim akram in terms of bowling, Ifrans got plenty of good and inspiring years ahead of him, he will be one of Indias important men ahead of the world cup in 07.

I liked what I saw of him when he was last in Aus and this was against the best attack in the world.

As for Lee, unlike India Aus don't have their top order open. Basically impossible to fit him in unless Aus take a punt somewhere which is highly unlikely. Ponting isn't going to move, Martyn no way, Clarke, Hussey, Symonds. Just way too many batters infront of Lee.

If only Ganguly makes way for Pathan so he could clinch the no 3 or 4 spot, then India could play 3 pace bowlers and 2 good spinners, and finally has enough batting and bowling options.

 

[aussie1st]

It looks like he is well on his way to matching Akram on his batting too. Ganguly really should make way for Pathan if he goes well this series. If Ganguly is good enough then maybe he can bat a bit lower but if I were an Indian I would much rather see Pathan batting at 3.

 

[Briggsey]

Pathan could very well be the deadliest player in the world following the world cup if he gets his batting spot on. We've already seen he is more than capable with the ball and for one so young time is on his side too.

Exciting times ahead for Team India!