Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said that Ravindra Jadeja’s slow innings was the reason behind India’s defeat in the second ODI of the three-match series in Raipur.
Irfan said on his YouTube channel: “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. 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.”
Jadeja, who made a comeback in the ODI team in this series, came to bat in the 42nd over when India lost their fifth wicket in the form of Washington Sundar. On a flat pitch, when the team needed some big hitting from the lower-order batters, Jadeja played with a strike rate of 88.89. Though he remained unbeaten, he could only hit two boundaries in his innings of 24 runs off 27 balls.
Irfan further added: “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.”
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