Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has, in recent times, enjoyed a healthy reputation as one of the country’s most respected cricket analysts. Irfan’s detailed and accurate dissection of the players’ technique and skillsets has made him a fan-favourite cricket pundit. Whether it be his stints at the commentary box of Star Sports or his varied appearances across various talk shows; the ex-Baroda star’s charismatic appeal and astute insights make him an entertaining member of the Indian cricketing fraternity.
Recently, however, Irfan found himself at the receiving end of a fan’s denigration. A Twitter user named R. Dutta accused Irfan of being a ‘chamcha’ (spoon) to India captain Virat Kohli, after the latter’s side failed to produce a win at the recently concluded World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand in Southampton. And Irfan, keeping in line with his smart and tactful style, gave a fitting reply to shut down the said Twitter user.
Is @IrfanPathan getting paid for doing commentary or is he getting paid to praise #ViratKohli? Chamchagiri ka ek Hadd hona chahiye. #WTC21final
— R. Dutta 🌐 (@RD_justRD) June 22, 2021
Indian batting lineup had a torrid time in the WTC final
For context, the Indian team and its super-passionate fanbase endured a depressing heartbreak against New Zealand in the aforementioned WTC final. Despite managing to produce several sensational moments with the ball in hand; the men-in-blue had a less-than-impressive time with the bat, which primarily contributed to their defeat.
The first innings saw India register a below-par total of 217. In spite of a solid foundation laid down by the top-order batsmen, India’s middle-order and lower-middle order failed to live up to its esteemed reputation. Mohammed Shami’s 4-wicket haul in the second innings kept New Zealand restricted to a modest 32-run lead; a feat that should’ve inspired the Indian batting line-up to turn up with an improved showing at the third innings.
But that wasn’t to be; as the Indian batting unit kept consistent with its ‘third innings trouble’ syndrome. The opening session of the final day saw the experienced batting trio of Cheteshwar Pujara (15), Ajinkya Rahane (13), and Kohli (15) fall prey to Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee’s fiery bowling spell. Rishabh Pant (41) tried to impart some momentum with his aggressive batting.
But post his dismissal, it took little time for the Kiwi bowlers to clean up India’s tail. India managed to set their rivals an underwhelming target of 139 for the fourth innings; something that New Zealand managed to achieve rather comfortably, with captain Kane Williamson (52*) and Ross Taylor (47*) leading their side to a well-deserved championship victory.
“So you don’t want me to praise the best player in the world?”- Irfan to Twitter fan for praising Virat Kohli
Following the game, Indian batters copped a lot of criticism for their insipid and dull approach to the match. Kohli, on his part, finished as India’s third-highest run-scorer from the match. But his inability to put an end to India’s 7-year trophy drought frustrated a whole bunch of Indian fans; a lot of whom launched scathing attacks on Kohli and his leadership.
Meanwhile, others, like the aforementioned Twitter user, tried trolling Kohli’s supporters- like Irfan Pathan- with their social media posts. Irfan, however, reacted in a very calm and composed manner and countered the fan with a question of his own. “So you don’t want me to praise the best player in the world?”, he replied.
So you don’t want me to praise the best player in the world??
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 22, 2021
The fan did post a reply back to Irfan’s comment, although it remains to be seen if the latter keeps the conversation going. How do you rate Virat Kohli’s captaincy in the WTC final? Let us know in the comments.
