Irfan Pathan opens on India's challenges in England [Source: @ShubmanGill, @IrfanPathan/X.com]
As India enters a new era in Test cricket under the leadership of Shubman Gill, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has underlined the importance of quick adaptation to English conditions in the upcoming five-Test series. According to TOI, Pathan pointed out that the tour is a challenging prospect yet a great chance for the young team to establish itself.
Irfan Pathan Lists Adaptability As Key To India’s Success
After Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from the Test format earlier this year, BCCI appointed Shubman Gill as the captaincy successor. He will be leading India in the upcoming 5-game Test series against England, with Rishabh Pant being his deputy as vice captain.
The 18-member Indian team is not experienced much, with a number of young faces like Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, and Arshdeep Singh. However, former cricketer Irfan Pathan has advised India to embrace the challenge and adapt well to English conditions.
"India's new squad faces a tough challenge in England, but as an all-rounder, I know adaptability is key. Gill's leadership, Pant's energy, and India's young talent must step up. England's conditions test every skill — swing, seam, and temperament. If India's players adapt quickly and stay united, they can surprise England, just as we've seen in the past with new teams rising to the occasion," Pathan said (via TOI).
He noted that England’s conditions test every aspect of a player’s skill and temperament. For a team in transition, missing stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, Pathan believes unity and mental toughness will be vital.
Rishabh Pant Faces Injury Scare In Training
Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant gave Team India a brief injury scare during their first training session ahead of the Test series against England. According to RevSports, while batting in the nets, Pant got hit on the left arm and was seemingly in a lot of pain.
The team doctor quickly attended to him, applying an ice pack and bandaging the arm. Pant did not resume training and focused on recovery for the rest of the session. However, the setback proved minor, as Pant later reassured fans by stating he was fine.