India should include a wrist spinner in overseas Tests: Irfan Pathan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was not impressed with the performance of Indian batters in the series against South Africa. In his recent tweet, the all-rounder pointed out that the team management should make a few changes in the middle-order. Pathan also mentioned that India should look to have a wrist spinner in the playing XI in overseas conditions as it can be a wicket-taking option.

The Indian batting lineup suffered major collapses throughout the series as the team failed to bat an entire day apart from the first innings of the first Test. No Indian batter barring KL Rahul could score more than 200 runs in the three-match series. Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara failed to make a mark in yet another series as the duo could make one half-century each in the series.

Indian captain Virat Kohli’s wait for the 71st international century continued in this series as well. He missed the second game in Johannesburg due to a back spasm. Kohli made 161 runs in two matches at an average of 37.20 that included a half-century during the first innings of the third Test. The lower-middle order was also insignificant and didn’t contribute much in the entire series.

“Indian middle order looks like it will change, Should too. But I strongly believe in having a wrist spinner in overseas condition. Which will have a solid wicket taking option in any condition,” Pathan tweeted. This suggestion from the southpaw is an interesting one given the fact that the finger spinner Ravi Ashwin couldn’t make an expected impact with the ball picking only three wickets.

Here’s what Irfan Pathan tweeted about the Indian batting unit

Indian middle order looks like it will change, Should too. But I strongly believe in having a wrist spinner in overseas condition. Which will have a solid wicket taking option in any condition.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 15, 2022

Irfan Pathan is not the only cricketer who feels that the middle-order needs a revamp. Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar also mentioned that both Rahane and Pujara should be dropped from the side for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Gavaskar had previously backed both the batters due to their past contributions. However, he feels that India should replace Pujara with Hanuma Vihari who played a significant knock during the second Test.

He also added that Shreyas Iyer, who made a century on debut against New Zealand should be the one who should replace former vice-captain Rahane in the playing 11. India is scheduled to play a three-match series against Sri Lanka in March this year.