Additionally, the former all-rounder for India made the argument that a player shouldn’t be judged by the selectors based just on a strong IPL season.
Irfan Pathan, a former Indian all-rounder, has spoken about being booted out of the squad due to an injury. Irfan, who made his India debut in 2003, appeared in 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is from 2003 to 2012. His career, however, was marred by chronic knee ailments. While he last played for India in 2012, he continued to play domestic cricket till 2019, hoping for a recall someday. However, in January 2020, he announced his retirement from all versions of the game.
In response to a question on “recent bias,” Irfan criticized former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who was the chairman of selectors at the time, for pushing him out of the team due to an injury.
“I was a member of the Indian squad when Srikanth sir was the selector. I was hurt, was booted out, and never played for India. No, that is the truth. And I have no reservations about it. I have a lot of respect for you. That then, the thinking was different,” Irfan Pathan, IPL official TV broadcaster’s commentator and cricket expert, remarked on the Star Sports Press Room Show, Ticket to the World Cup.
Irfan described the way that, following a single poor tour or injury, selectors would frequently overlook a player’s previous match-winning exploits.
Along with this, the 39-year-old said that a player’s performance in the IPL shouldn’t be used as a yardstick by selectors.
Then again, in the 2020s, Wriddhiman Saha’s injury kept him off the squad for over a year. Upon being fit, what transpired? He was selected and included in the starting lineup. One year, too, is a long period. We do not want to minimize the support that the Indian team provided him with prior to his injury, though. It is something we wish to cherish.
Therefore, you should remember the member’s contributions to the Indian squad prior to the IPL when they are sitting on the selection committee. And the place I’m referring to is not too far away. You think we should pick some guys just because they’re performing well in the IPL. “But remember the guys who have performed well in the past,” he said.