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'One of the Best Years...', Irfan Pathan Reflects On India’s Cricketing Journey In 2023

image-lqukupszIndia lost the 2023 World Cup final at home. (AP)

Former fast bowler and renowned commentator Irfan Pathan praised Team India's remarkable win percentage in ODIs, hailing it as a historic achievement. 

Despite the team falling short in the World Test Championship (WTC) and ODI World Cup finals against Australia, Pathan lauded the team's overall performance and celebrated their success in the Asia Cup, which was held in Sri Lanka.

It was another eventful year in cricket for team India, as they had their moments. Team India suffered heartbreak in the WTC and the ODI World Cup finals. These near misses extended their quest for an ICC trophy since 2013. However, amidst the challenges, the team also basked in glory with a triumphant Asia Cup campaign.

Reflecting on the year, Pathan emphasised the team's impressive ODI win percentage, a record in Indian cricket history. Despite heartbreaks in two finals, the WTC and the ODI World Cup, India's triumph in the Asia Cup brought moments of glory.

"I think it was an amazing year, the way they won matches. In ODIs, they had the highest win percentage in Indian cricket history. I think it was one of the best years of Indian cricket,"  Irfan Pathan said while speaking to Star Sports.

Acknowledging the World Cup drought, Pathan found solace in the outstanding form of Virat Kohli and the emergence of Shubman Gill. 

Kohli's redemption arc in 2023 included breaking records, such as becoming the first batter to achieve 50 ODI centuries, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 49, and delivering a stellar performance in the 2023 World Cup with 765 runs. 

Shubman Gill had a breakthrough year, amassing 2,126 runs at an average of 48.31, with seven centuries and ten fifties in 47 international games.

"The World Cup victory again remained slightly away from us, but overall there were a lot of positives. We saw Virat Kohli's form, which we were used to for so many years, and Shubman Gill had an amazing year,"  Pathan added.

Currently competing in a two-match Test series in South Africa, Team India seeks to rebound after losing the series opener. The second Test, commencing on December 3 at Newlands in Cape Town, provides an opportunity for redemption.

Looking ahead, India will aim to end its ICC trophy drought by clinching the T20 World Cup scheduled in the West Indies and the USA later this year.