'Team always comes first' - Irfan Pathan backs David Warner as the right choice for player of the tournament
Shoaib Akhtar earlier stated that not giving the player of the tournament award to Azam was unfair.
The final match of the T20 World Cup 2021 saw action between Australia and New Zealand where Kangaroos went on to win their maiden T20 WC title by winning by eight wickets. Talking of the match, David Warner’s 53 off 38 laid the foundation for his team and later Mitchell Marsh’s brilliance pushed the team over the line.
Warner even went on to bag the player of the tournament award as he turned out to be the second-highest run-getter and stood up from the winning lot. In the same light, former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar stated that Babar Azam should have got the same award. Babar was the highest run-getter of the tournament with 303 runs in six games but his strike rate was less than expected.
“Was really looking forward to see @babarazam258 becoming Man of the Tournament. Unfair decision for sure,” Akhtar had tweeted earlier.
In the latest turn of events, Pathan added that player performing is one thing but putting team over the individual is another thing. Pathan’s comments came in reference that Azam struck with 126.25 while Warner was striking at 146.70 which helped in the team’s cause in a better manner.
Irfan Pathan opens on his thoughts on the player of the tournament
“A Player performing is one thing, putting himself above the team is another. Don’t mix the two. TEAM always, always comes first,” tweeted Irfan Pathan.
Warner opened up after winning the player of the tournament award. He added how his basics helped him get going and that the players in his team helped the team’s cause very well.
“Always felt really well. Didn’t get much time in the middle in the two practice matches obviously. But for me it was about going back to basics. Going to hard, synthetic wickets, and try to hit some balls. Definitely up there with 2015. Being part of the World Cup final against England a decade ago definitely hurt. These guys are a great bunch of guys. Great support staff, great team, great support back home. Just wanted to put on a great spectacle for everyone. Bit of nerves around with a good score on the board. Just great to see the guys deliver,” said Warner after winning player of the tournament.
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