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“Noise Ignored”: Irfan Pathan Praises India’s Bold Strategy Amid England Tour Success
India’s Experience Over External Pressure
After India’s pulse-racing six-run Test win at The Oval to level the series 2‑2, former India all‑rounder Irfan Pathan shared his analysis via his YouTube channel. He commended the Indian team and management for tuning out public clamour—especially calls to include Kuldeep Yadav—and sticking to their own strategic blueprint.
“This Indian side doesn’t give heed to outside noise. The outside noise asks them to play Kuldeep Yadav from Test one through five. India didn’t play him. They wanted to extend batting depth, backed their plan—and drew the series 2‑2 to show they are a quality touring team,” Pathan explained.
Shubman Gill’s Emergence as a Leader
Historic Captaincy and Batting Masterclass
Pathan saluted captain Shubman Gill, who amassed a staggering 754 runs during the tour and successfully led a youthful side through adversity. According to Pathan:
“Shubman Gill will own the No. 4 slot for many years. He scripted record after record—and performed under immense pressure, especially in the final Test at The Oval.”
Gill’s composure and consistency came under the spotlight in the especially tense moments of Day 5, cementing his place in India’s long-term plans.
Grit Personified: Pant’s Pain, India’s Promise
Moments That Defined the Series
Pathan singled out Rishabh Pant hobbling with a broken toe as a defining example of the team’s mettle. Despite injury, Pant trudged forward, embodying a resilience that became emblematic of India’s fightback across the tour.
Reflecting on the team’s youthful core, Pathan added:
“The team has shown enormous potential, and with more experience, they’ll transform into a formidable force in the years ahead.”
Pathan’s X Post Sparks Conversation
Following India’s dramatic victory at The Oval, Irfan Pathan posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“This series reminds everyone once again, CRICKET DOESN’T STOP FOR ANYONE!”
While fans broadly celebrated the message as a testament to resilience, some interpreted it as a veiled critique directed at senior players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Critics pointed out that Bumrah featured in only three Tests due to workload management, while Kohli has since retired from Test cricket.
🔗 Also Read: Analysis of India’s transition strategy under Shubman Gill
India’s Balanced Approach: No Kuldeep, More Depth
Pathan’s core observation revolved around India’s deliberate choice—*
not* adding Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI despite persistent external pressure. Instead, they prioritized batting depth, leaving leg‑spinner Kuldeep out in favour of an extra batter. That bold strategy paid dividends in the context of chasing sizeable totals and navigating English pitches that offered swing and seam.
A Series That Redefined Touring Mentality
Despite finishing level in the series, India’s tour of England now reads as a narrative of surprise, strategy, and steadfastness. Opting to ignore outside opinions, investing faith in young leadership, and embracing calculated risks—these all emerged as themes of a squad learning to forge its identity.
Irfan Pathan’s verdict is clear: India’s ability to silence external noise and trust in its plan made a strong case for a new era of Test cricket strategy, based around depth over orthodox suggestions.
🌐 More Updates: Watch Irfan Pathan’s full video series review
