Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has criticised Ravindra Jadeja’s approach in the second ODI against South Africa, blaming his slow knock for India’s defeat in Raipur. Despite a powerful platform laid by Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, India managed only 74 runs in the final 10 overs—well below what modern ODI standards demand, especially on a high-scoring surface.
India seemed set for a 380-plus total when Gaikwad smashed his maiden ODI hundred and Kohli compiled yet another masterclass. KL Rahul also provided late impetus with a superb unbeaten 66 off 43 balls. But the momentum dipped sharply once Washington Sundar (1 off 8) and Ravindra Jadeja (24 off 27) walked in during the crucial death overs. Their inability to accelerate left India 20–25 runs short of a par score.
Speaking on his YouTube show Seedhi Baat after South Africa chased down the target in 49.2 overs, Pathan didn’t hold back while analysing Jadeja’s knock.
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“Ravindra Jadeja’s innings of 24 off 27 balls felt extremely slow,” Irfan Pathan said. “During commentary, we repeatedly mentioned that this could hurt India. When everyone around you is striking above a run a ball and you’re batting at an 88 strike rate, the intent clearly seems missing. At 300-plus with wickets in hand, urgency is expected.”
Jadeja’s strike rate of 88.89 was the second-lowest among Indian batters who faced at least 20 balls. He did not hit a single six, allowing South Africa to control several overs and regain momentum at the death. From 289/4 at the 40-over mark, India were unable to produce the late onslaught that ODI cricket demands.
Irfan Pathan stressed that India needed extra runs because dew was always going to favour the chasing side. Rahul echoed the same concern after the match, admitting India were “20 short.” “The ball was expected to get wet, and that always puts the fielding side under pressure,” Pathan added. “Jadeja not pulling his weight with the bat became a disappointing factor.”
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However, Pathan also acknowledged that the new one-ball rule—where only one ball is used after the 34th over—has made slog overs tougher. With no fresh harder ball coming in from the other end, fast bowlers get reverse swing and spinners extract more grip, limiting boundary-hitting opportunities.
Despite the challenge, both teams have enjoyed high-scoring conditions throughout the series. With the decider scheduled in Vizag, another run-heavy contest is expected as India search for improved death-overs efficiency.
