'Don’t think changing captaincy will give us changed result' - Irfan Pathan's predictions following T20 WC 2022 come true

Irfan Pathan backed Rohit Sharma to continue as the Indian captain following the team's defeat in the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, the former all-rounder suggested some tweaks in Indian cricket and most of them were implemented during India's triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

India lost the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Adelaide to eventual champions England by a comprehensive 10-wicket margin. In the aftermath of the shambolic defeat, some fans called for a change in captaincy, relieving Rohit from the prestigious role. However, Pathan had opined that changing captaincy won't help India change their fortunes via a post on his 'X' (formerly Twitter) handle. Instead, the cricketer-turned-commentator urged the Men in Blue to change their approach. He suggested that at least one Indian opener should play freely, one wrist spinner must be included in the playing XI, and a tearaway pacer should be added to the mix.

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As India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the finals on Saturday, June 29, to win the T20 World Cup 2024, Pathan's old tweet resurfaced, as fans hailed the 39-year-old for his understanding of the game. Interestingly, the squad that helped India end their 11-year-long wait for an ICC title had most of the ingredients that Pathan suggested following the last edition of the T20 World Cup.

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"Indian cricket going forward 1) Openers playing freely, At least one of them. 2) A wrist spinner (wicket taker ) is a must. 3) Tear away fast bowler. 4) please don’t think changing captaincy will give us the changed result. It’s the approach that needs to change," Pathan had written on X in November 2022.

Rohit was retained as the skipper of the side and he changed his batting template from the previous edition, playing a much more aggressive brand of cricket at the top of the order. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was included in the playing XI for the last five games and he finished with 10 wickets at an average of 13.90. Pathan suggested the addition of a tearaway pacer. Jasprit Bumrah missed the 2022 T20 World Cup due to a stress fracture on his lower back but returned for this year's event and was adjudged Player of the Tournament after bagging 15 wickets in eight games at stunning 4.17.