It’s been two fixtures completed of the ‘Dhoni captained’ Rising Pune Supergiants and there is no sign of Irfan Pathan.
Call it a coincidence that the fast bowler did not find a place in the playing squad of his 2014’s team Chennai Super Kings as well, which was also under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. So much so that the player was benched for the entire season.
Whatever’s been cooking between Dhoni and Pathan, its clearly not helping the newbies Pune in this edition of the IPL, who faced a humiliating defeat against Gujarat Lions in their last fixture.
In form, but not In Pune’s playing squad (History repeats itself)
2015 did not bring any luck for Pathan, as the fast bowler was not inculcated in any of the matches of Chennai. However, for him being in continuation at the warming benches, just at the start of this year’s edition looks highly unjustified. Reason being, his terrific performance in the recently held Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy that led his side to the finals of the tournament. Though Baroda couldn’t bring home the cup, Irfan had to his credit 17 wickets in 8 matches.
His fans targeting Dhoni and the management
Greg Chappel may have ruined his career but he is still a decent all rounder (bankable). Dhoni, stop making excuses. #IrfanPathan #IPL9
— Pratibha Mehra (@Irfanomania) 15 April 2016
Life sometimes can be strange treating you like Irfan Pathan and making you sit on the bench while rewarding undeserving RP Singh #GLvRPS
— ASHISH (@ashish_bijalwan) 14 April 2016
MS Dhoni will play RP Singh but not Irfan Pathan, who had a great Domestic season. Talk abt friendship yeah..#RPSvsGL #IPL9
— Pratibha Mehra (@Irfanomania) 14 April 2016
Life sometimes can be strange treating you like Irfan Pathan and making you sit on the bench while rewarding undeserving RP Singh #GLvRPS
— ASHISH (@ashish_bijalwan) 14 April 2016
Iam a big fan of MS.Dhoni …..I have a request. ..please include Irfan Pathan instead of RP Singh. Please its our serious request#GLvRPS
— zoy_pal (@zoy_pal) 14 April 2016
Necessary addition for the next clash?
Pune had everything going in its favour in the opening match against Mumbai Indians. The bowlers were quick and dominating right from the start. Though some bowlers like RP Singh and Ishant Sharma proved expensive they, did work in pulling out wickets at the crucial moments. Irfan can sneak in at this stage for these two usually gets beaten up when it comes to maintaining the consistency. And that turned true in the last fixture against Gujarat Lions, when both of them failed on their talents to deliver economical spells.
Moreover, inclusion of a veteran medium fast bowler like Irfan who can swing the ball and attempt variations in his deliveries can add fortunes to the team’s bowling attack. His efficiency with the bat can also be capitalised at the last of the middle order.