‘No Sharpness In Bowling..’ Ex India Star Takes Aim At Pacers' Performance In First Test Against South Africa

Following India's heartbreaking loss to South Africa in the first Test at Centurion, the cricket community witnessed former all rounder Irfan Pathan stepping into the limelight as a passionate critic. His commentary shone a light on the team's struggle with strategic planning in the bowling department, a facet that played a pivotal role in the Proteas securing victory by an innings and 32 runs, leading 1 0 in the two match series.

Amidst the disappointment, Jasprit Bumrah's noteworthy four wicket performance in South Africa's first innings stood out, but the challenges faced by the remaining Indian pacers, especially against Dean Elgar's formidable 185, couldn't be ignored. A day that took a dramatic turn where capitulated.

. sheds light on the major difference between both teams, & why emerged victorious on Day 3. Don't miss 2nd Test WED, JAN 3, 12:30 PM LIVE | Star Sports Network Pathan, renowned for his insightful cricket analysis, dove into the nuances of the match, underscoring India's struggle in discerning when to be aggressive and when to adopt a defensive stance against South African batsmen.

This keen observation highlighted a lack of adaptability and strategic acumen within the Indian bowling unit, painting a vivid picture of the team's struggles on the field. As we reach the year end, we asked & to name team India's best moment! Do you agree with them? Let us know your favourite moment Specifically addressing the shortcomings, Pathan emphasized the missed opportunity in exploiting Dean Elgar's vulnerability to short pitched deliveries early in his innings.

Despite Elgar's historical discomfort with short balls, the Indian bowlers, as per Pathan, failed to capitalize on this weakness until he was well set, illustrating a crucial lapse in their approach. Post defeat, India's captain, Rohit Sharma, echoed Pathan's sentiments, acknowledging the absence of necessary support for Bumrah from the other end.

Sharma expressed disappointment over conceding over 400 runs on a supposedly bowler friendly track, highlighting the glaring disparity between the Indian bowlers' performance and the clinical display exhibited by their South African counterparts. The defeat not only prompts questions about India's bowling strategy but also underscores the significance of a united effort from the entire bowling unit.

The collective acknowledgment of these issues by Pathan and Sharma indicates a call for introspection and tactical adjustments as India gears up for the crucial second Test. With the series hanging in the balance, addressing these bowling challenges becomes imperative for India to mount a comeback and level the playing field..