IND vs SA: Irfan Pathan Criticises Ravindra Jadeja’s Slow Knock After India’s Raipur Defeat

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has criticised Ravindra Jadeja’s lack of urgency during the final overs of the second ODI against South Africa, saying the left-hander’s slow knock cost India crucial runs in Raipur. Despite posting a strong total of 358, India were unable to defend the target as South Africa chased it down in 49.2 overs.

India lost momentum after a strong middle-order platform created by Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who smashed centuries and added 195 runs together. However, the final 10 overs yielded only 74 runs, with Jadeja scoring an unhurried 24 off 27 balls and Washington Sundar contributing just 1 off 8.

Pathan, speaking on his YouTube show Seedhi Baat, said Jadeja’s innings lacked intent at a critical stage. “Jadeja’s 27-ball 24 felt extremely slow. We said during commentary it could hurt India, and that’s exactly what happened. When everyone else is striking above a run a ball and you’re not, the innings clearly lacks urgency,” he remarked.

Jadeja’s strike rate of 88.89 was the second lowest among Indian batters who faced at least 20 balls, and he failed to hit a six—allowing South Africa to tighten control in key overs. India, at 289 for 4 at the 40-over mark, were on track for a bigger total but fell short of the explosiveness typically needed at the death.

Pathan added that with dew expected in the second innings, India needed an extra cushion of runs. Captain KL Rahul echoed the same after the defeat, acknowledging India were “15–20 short.”

In Jadeja’s defence, Pathan noted the impact of the new ODI rule introduced this year: only one white ball is used after the 34th over. Previously, using two balls ensured the ball stayed harder for longer, making it easier for batters to find boundaries. Now, with just one ball in play, reverse swing and increased spin come into effect, making death-overs batting more challenging.

Even so, the surfaces in the series have remained high-scoring, and similar conditions are expected for the third and final ODI in Vizag.