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"Management deserves credit": Pathan lauds Gambhir and co. for Gaikwad's success vs SA

Harsh Adwani

Irfan Pathan credits team management for backing Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: @mahi163199/x.com]Irfan Pathan credits team management for backing Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: @mahi163199/x.com]

Ruturaj Gaikwad was one of the stars of the 2nd ODI between India and South Africa. His maiden century in the format and a brilliant partnership with Virat Kohli earned him a lot of praise. And even though India lost that match, his and Kohli’s performance had given India real hope of winning the game.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has now credited the Indian team management for backing the emerging player despite not scoring in the first match. He believes number four was an unfamiliar position for Gaikwad, and yet he produced a great knock.

"Nothing happens in one match. The management deserves credit. He (Gaikwad) showed what he can do, and even his running between the wickets was excellent. With Tilak Varma and Rishabh Pant in the reserves, Ruturaj Gaikwad ensured, with his century, that questions about playing him at No. 4 won't be asked for a while. By delivering at No. 4, Ruturaj Gaikwad has told the selectors and the management that even if you bat at an unfamiliar number, I'll produce," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Irfan Pathan urges management to back their fast bowlers

Despite his 105 runs in 83 balls and Kohli’s 102 in 93 balls, India lost the match. The bowlers did not have the best outing, particularly Prasidh Krishna, who conceded 85 runs in less than nine overs. Pathan has also urged the management to back fast bowlers, just like they did with Gaikwad.

"Like I said for the fast bowlers, if India had dropped Ruturaj Gaikwad after his failure in the first ODI, would he have scored a century? No. That's why it's important to persist," Pathan said.

The series is now levelled at 1-1. The two teams will now clash in the final match of the series in Visakhapatnam on the 6th of December. The winner of this match will also claim the series.