India opener Rohit Sharma faced an unusual challenge with the bat in the ongoing second ODI against Australia in Adelaide, drawing a candid remark from 2007 T20 World Cup winner Irfan Pathan. Australia, after winning the toss, chose to field first in the three-match series, putting India into bat.

Rohit, making his return to international cricket after 220 days, had a slow start against the Australian pacers. He struggled to score freely early on, surviving the probing spell from Josh Hazlewood, and was on 14 off 40 balls at one stage. His cautious approach reflected the pressure of coming back after a long break and recovering from a low score of 8 runs in the series opener.

The veteran batsman, however, gradually got into his rhythm. He hit two sixes off Mitchell Owen in the 19th over and reached a half-century off 74 balls, showcasing his experience and temperament. Irfan Pathan took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight Rohit’s rare struggle against the white-ball: "Never seen Rohit Sharma get beaten or struggle so much, but this half-century should give him much-needed confidence."

Never seen Rohit sharma got beaten or struggled so much but this half century should give him much needed confidence.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: IND vs AUS 2nd ODI: Rohit Sharma OUT, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood combine to stop him

Rohit Sharma’s Crucial Partnership and Struggle Highlight India’s Fightback

Rohit’s innings was pivotal as he shared a 118-run partnership with vice-captain Shreyas Iyer for the third wicket, stabilizing India’s innings after early setbacks. Yet, he couldn’t convert his start into a bigger score. Mitchell Starc broke through in the 30th over, dismissing Rohit with a short-pitched delivery. Rohit attempted a pull shot but was caught by Hazlewood at long leg, finishing on 73 runs off 97 balls, with two sixes and seven fours.

At that point, India were 143/3 after 31 overs, with Shreyas Iyer unbeaten on 56 off 72 balls and Axar Patel on 2 off 4 balls. With the series currently at 0-1 in favor of Australia, the second ODI has become crucial for India.

Despite his struggles, Rohit’s innings offered confidence for the remainder of the series, proving that even the most accomplished batsmen sometimes need time to find their rhythm. His performance will be key as India aims to bounce back in the series decider.

Former India player and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu turned 62 on October 20, and wishes poured in from all corners of the cricketing world. Among them, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan sent a special post wishing Sidhu on social media, saying he had great admiration and love for the veteran. Sidhu, being himself, shot back with a tearful note that quickly went viral.

The two cricket commentators have been loved by fans for their entertaining commentary and friendly banter. Sidhu and Pathan have made audiences laugh, think, and appreciate cricket in a different way. No matter how controversial or critical of the crew they are, they impressed fans with their charm and deep understanding of the game.

Posting his birthday wish on X (formerly Twitter), Pathan said, "Subah Jalandhar sham ko Delhi Nahi. Shamko mere Ghar pe apka birthday sath me. @sherryontopp Paaji wishing you the best birthday. Have a great one."

Sidhu's Heartwarming Reply Wins Fans Over

Sidhu, a person with a poetic spirit and a positive vibe, responded with love, saying, "Zaroor Irfan, tum No.1 commentator ho aur No.1 insaan ho. Your wishes are my armour... truckloads of love." His emotional words reflected the deep mutual respect between the two. Pathan later replied, “Apka pyaar hamesha bana rahe,” showing the bond they share both on and off the field.

Zaroor Irfan , tum no 1 commentator ho aur no 1 insaan ho …. Your wishes are my armour … truckloads of love 🥰

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) October 20, 2025

See Also: 'Pyar Aur Roshni Se Bhari Ye Diwali' – Shikhar Dhawan and girlfriend Sophie Shine celebrate diwali together

Navjot Singh Sidhu played for India between 1983 and 1999, appearing in 51 Tests and 156 ODIs and scoring 3202 and 4413 runs, respectively. Irfan Pathan, however, appeared in 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is and scored 2821 runs and took 301 wickets overall. Despite being from different eras of cricket, their friendship as Indian Premier League as well as international cricket commentary is still making fans around the world happy.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan brutally criticized Shreyas Iyer and advised BCCI to drop the batter from the team. On a live show during the India vs Australia 1st ODI match, Pathan, through a video, explained how poor Iyer's technique was against the short deliveries. 

At the Optus Stadium, under a heavy sky and rain threats, India lost their top-order batters in short intervals. Captain Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Iyer were all outclassed by the Australian pace attack. When Iyer came into the crease, India was already on the back foot, suffocating for some room to breathe. Indian cricket fans and experts had a huge amount of expectations on the batter. In the recent few matches, he performed well with the bat as well. 

Viewers noticed that Shreyas slightly upgraded his batting stance. Against Aussie pacers, on a bouncy track, his batting stance was more open. Before that match, Iyer was spotted with head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel in the nets. After all the preparations, the reality proved very harsh for the right-handed batsman. 

Read More: [WATCH] India dismiss Travis Head with superb planning during AUS vs IND 1st ODI

Irfan Pathan criticised Shreyas Iyer 

On a short, quick delivery, Iyer lost his wicket without adding any significant runs to team India's run tally. Experienced pacer Josh Hazlewood launched a short pitch delivery on the body of the batter. Iyer was absolutely surprised and had no clue how to face the ball. He somehow tried to push the ball on the leg but got only an edge, which went behind the stumps. Diving on the left side, Josh Philippe took a beautiful catch to dismiss Shreyas Iyer. 

In the studio Irfan Pathan exposed how weak Iyer's batting strategy was for bouncy surfaces. "Shreyas Iyer's batting technique against short balls is worse than club-level batters; he is not capable of batting on Australian pitches. Team India should drop him," Pathan opined.

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is Sri Lanka's top Twenty20 competition and has developed rapidly since it began in 2020. It provides opportunities for young Sri Lankans to play with seasoned international cricketers, making it a thrilling and competitive atmosphere. Its short and rapid nature makes it with an audience in Sri Lanka and worldwide.

In a major boost for the LPL, Indian cricketers are going to feature in the tournament for the first time ever in its history in the 2025 season. However, some Indian players had already featured in the first season of the LPL in 2020 after retiring from international cricket. Their participation back then added experience and star value to the tournament. Now, more retired Indian stars are expected to bring excitement and guidance to young Sri Lankan players.

The LPL 2025 edition will take place from December 1 to December 23, 2025. There will be 24 matches played in three Sri Lankan venues: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, and Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla. The addition of Indian players is expected to draw more spectators, enhance the level of competition, and provide an opportunity for young players to learn from veteran cricketers.

Indian Players of Previous LPL Seasons

Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan represented the Kandy Tuskers during the inaugural season of the LPL in 2020. The ex-India all-rounder, who had the capability to bat as well as bowl at pace from the left arm, contributed much experience to the team. He led junior players and supported the team with both bat and ball. Pathan featured in three matches, made 54 runs, and did not make any wickets.

Munaf Patel

Munaf Patel also played for the Kandy Tuskers in 2020. The fast bowler last played international cricket in 2018 but came back to the team to share experience and control with the bowling. He played four games and taken three wickets. Despite limited games, he assisted in guiding the young bowlers and provided stability to the team.

Manpreet Gony

Manpreet Gony, a medium-fast bowler with the right arm, represented the Colombo Stars in 2020. He had retired from Indian cricket in 2019 and contributed experience from domestic leagues to the team. Gony represented the team once, took one wicket, and conceded 42 runs. His contribution helped stabilize the bowling attack and assist the less experienced players in the team.

See Also: 'Surgery Gives Me Hope' - Glenn Maxwell eyes surprise comeback for India-Australia T20I series

Sudeep Tyagi

Sudeep Tyagi joined the Dambulla Viiking team in 2020 after retiring from Indian cricket. The former fast bowler for India added to the team's bowling options and continued mentoring core group young players. Tyagi played three matches, but did not take any wickets.

Manvinder Bisla

Manvinder Bisla, a former keeper-batsman, was drafted by the Colombo Kings for the 2020 season but dropped out before playing a single game. Moreover, Manvinder Bisla played 7 games in the 2012 IPL season for KKR, scoring 213 runs with a strike rate of 133.12 and an average of 30.42. Yet, his most significant performance came in the final match against Chennai Super Kings, in which he scored 89 runs from 48 balls to seal a match-winning score for Kolkata Knight Riders. This key knock contributed towards Kolkata Knight Riders' first IPL championship. He was given the Man of the Match for his great performance during the final.

Irfan Pathan tried to show both sides of a coin. The subject of his YouTube video is Abhishek Sharma, the batter who has been scoring runs continuously throughout the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Sharma's run flow helped India to reach the final of the tournament as the first team of the contest, later joined by Pakistan. On Sunday (September 28), the India vs Pakistan match will be held to decide the winner of the Asia Cup 2025. 

Former India international heaped praise on Abhishek Sharma for his fearless batting approach against all teams so far. Ahead of the final, he is the top run scorer of the tournament with 309 runs from six innings at an average of 51.50 and a strike rate of 204.63. Irfan believes that the batter has become a crowd puller because of his batting skills. 

"Abhishek has scored 35-45% of India's runs in the Asia Cup alone. His strike rate is amazing, and it is not easy. His ability to hit the front and his base is impressing everyone. Everyone feels like they will buy the match ticket to watch this guy play. He is consistent and has become a six-hitting machine. He has played more than 30 balls only four times and has scored hundreds two times. That means if he plays a few more balls, then he will push the opposition on the back foot," Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel. 

Read More: 'I tend to bowl short balls...'- New Zealand pacer mesmerized by Rohit Sharma's elegance

Pathan's surprising comment on Abhishek Sharma 

After saying that, Pathan put the law of averages in the discussion. The law of averages means that when a player is at his peak, he can experience an unexpected off form. Pathan feared that this could happen with the batter during the Asia Cup 2025 final as well. But he has trust in other Team India batters. Irfan also stated that if Pakistan bowlers manage to take the wicket of Sharma early, still, Team India has enough firepower to bounce back.

"Everyone will now think that Pakistan will target him in the final, and there could be the law of averages; maybe he will not score runs on a few days. But his method should not change. If Pakistan thinks getting him out alone will win them the game, there are other players as well," Pathan opined. 

Just before the one week of the beginning of the two-match home Test series against West Indies, the selection committee announced the 15-member Indian Test squad. After the team selection, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan pointed out India's missed opportunity. 

It was expected that the Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah would be rested for the upcoming home Test series against the West Indies due to workload management, although the pacer is known for his commitment to Test cricket. However, it was surprising that Bumrah had been selected in the Test squad. In fact, the pacer is likely to be available for selection for both Test matches, while he is currently busy in the Asia Cup 2025, where they will play the Final against Pakistan this Sunday (September 28).

See Also: 'Inaccurate again...' Jasprit Bumrah schools Mohammed Kaif for 'avoid injury' statement in public platform

It seems like a missed opportunity not to play a young fast bowler: Irfan Pathan

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan feels that India missed a great opportunity as a young fast bowler could have been selected instead of Bumrah to strengthen the pace bowling team. However, Pathan has also praised Bumrah for his impressive Test commitment, who is also battling with his fitness. 

Pathan said on his YouTube channel, “It seems like a missed opportunity not to play a young fast bowler in these two Tests, but that’s the team’s current direction. If I were a selector or manager, I would have surely tried to give a young fast bowler an opportunity, focusing on their development, not just quick results. Bumrah remains committed to Test cricket, which is fantastic.” 

Talking about a young pace bowler opportunity in the upcoming home Test series against West Indies, Pathan has pointed out the importance of the Indian pace-bowling team for the long-term purpose. 

Pathan added, “Still, it’s good that Bumrah maintains Test cricket as his priority. Selectors could have utilised this series to give proper rest to Bumrah and groom a young fast bowler, something India must prioritise for long-term vision. India needs a group of eight good fast bowlers, not just three or four.” 

Does this mean Kuldeep Yadav may miss out again?

Meanwhile, Axar Patel has been named in the Test squad along with new vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. While Pathan is happy for Axar's return, he also fears that Kuldeep Yadav may miss out once again in Test cricket.

Pathan said, “Axar’s return strengthens the team. When Axar plays alongside Washington and Jadeja, the team gains batting depth. Does this mean Kuldeep Yadav may miss out again? I would definitely want to see him play, but with home conditions generally allowing only two fast bowlers, his spot is not guaranteed.”

Irfan Pathan's prediction again proved instantly on point. As soon as he made a prediction about Sahibzada Farhan's batting stance, Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed got his man, his 100th T20I wicket for Bangladesh. Irfan Pathan was right. Farhan made the mistake of what the former India international talked about. 

Ahead of the 3rd ball of the 1st over of the 1st innings of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match, Pathan opined that the Pakistan opener's stance was good for the back foot and against wide off-the-stump deliveries but could be fragile if the bowler forced him to play on the front foot. 

Taskin delivered exactly what Pathan was talking about during his commentary work. On the fourth delivery of the oven. Ahmed pitched the ball on the off and fuller on length. Farhan had no option but to use his front foot. The right-handed batter used his right foot and tried to guide the ball on the off side. He lacked control over the shot and found the fielder on the point region. An easy catch for Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed received his 100th T20I wicket after Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan. 

Read More: Suryakumar Yadav can receive strong verdict regarding Asia Cup 2025 'No Handshake' row

Irfan Pathan's prediction on air proved right

"Sahibzada Farhan ke liye woh length thodi aage daalna; woh front foot pe unhein invite karna zaroori hai. Unke stance ke hisaab se. (For Sahibzada Farhan, you need to pitch the ball up. He needs to be invited to the front foot, given the stance," Pathan said on air. 

Another day, another right prediction from Irfan Pathan ✅ 😎

Watch #PAKvBAN LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.@IrfanPathan | #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/Q4J3kuLYRg

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 25, 2025

It was not the first time when Irfan Pathan's prediction proved right. In the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, on more than one occasion, the former pace-bowling all-rounder predicted dismissals early. During the India vs. Pakistan Super 4 match, and before that, during the India vs. UAE match, Pathan showcased his astute cricketing brain.

India carried their dominant form into the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025, registering a comfortable 41-run win over Bangladesh in their second fixture of the round.

The victory not only showcased India’s strength with both bat and ball but also cemented their place in the final of the prestigious tournament. Their performance highlighted consistency and depth across departments, giving them a huge boost ahead of the title clash.

The game took place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, September 24. With this win, India once again underlined their supremacy in the tournament, proving too strong for their opponents and ensuring their momentum remains intact heading into the final.

See Also: Why did India name a new Test vice captain for the West Indies series?

India Seals the Final by Defeating Bangladesh:

India, batting first, got off to a blazing start with Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma putting together 77 runs in just 38 balls. Gill chipped in with 29 from 19 deliveries, while Abhishek was the star of the partnership, hammering 75 off only 37 balls with six boundaries and five maximums before being dismissed via a run out.

However, the middle order couldn’t maintain the same tempo. Shivam Dube, pushed up to No. 3, scored just two, while captain Suryakumar Yadav fell for 5 at No. 4. Hardik Pandya played a steady hand with 38 off 29, but Tilak Varma and Axar Patel struggled to accelerate. India eventually finished on 168/6 after their 20 overs.

Chasing a target of 169, Bangladesh found themselves under pressure right from the start. Saif Hassan was the lone resistance, smashing 69 off 51 balls, including three fours and five sixes, but he was lucky to survive three dropped chances during his innings.

The rest of the batting line-up failed to provide support, with only Parvez Hossain Emon reaching double figures, scoring 21. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 127 in 19.3 overs. Kuldeep Yadav led the Indian attack with three wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped in with two wickets each, sealing a comfortable 41-run win for India.

Top 5 experts criticise India’s batting reshuffle vs Bangladesh, Asia Cup 2025:

Despite India reaching the Asia Cup 2025 final, their frequent changes in the batting lineup attracted significant backlash. Here’s a look at five experts who openly criticised India’s batting order decisions in the IND vs BAN Super 4 match.

• Aakash Chopra

Former India opener Aakash Chopra heavily criticised the team’s frequent middle-order shuffles, describing them as “confusing.” Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, he admitted he struggled to understand the reasoning behind the constant changes and expressed his bafflement over the strategy employed in the match.

He said, “ Well, quite a few things were actually weird. Of course, while Abhishek and Shubman were batting, it looked like a very good batting surface, and you can play through the line, and you could actually hit wherever you wanted to hit.”

He further said, “ But then the wicket falls, and then the batting order is inexplicable. I mean, what exactly India was trying to do with the batting order is baffling, to say the least. Tilak Verma should have been sent earlier in fact. Because I mean 3 was available, 4 was available. You don't send him, you send Hardik ahead of Tilak.”

He added, “ Somebody who's actually looked in quite decent touch in this tournament thus far, whatever opportunities he got. And again, yes Sanju should have been there. But very difficult to understand the thought process behind what they're doing.”

• Varun Aaron

Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron voiced his surprise at the team’s reshuffled batting lineup, particularly sending Shivam Dube and Axar Patel ahead of Sanju Samson, who has three T20I centuries. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Aaron expressed his confusion and questioned the logic behind these middle-order changes during the match.

He said, “ I'm really perplexed with the way they deployed batsmen. They obviously thought they can get Dube on and he'll take down the spinners. But Sanju Samson is another option where he could have been slotted in early today, because we know how he enjoys batting slightly up top.”

He further said, “ I do not understand it. Axar ahead of Sanju Samson. The man's got 3 T20 centuries in the last year. You've got to cut him some slack. And to be honest, there's not much difference with any of the batsmen when it comes to their strike rate. It's not like we have 4 batsmen who can strike above 150 and we have a couple who can only play runner ball.”

He added, “ It's not like that. Every one of those batsmen in the top 8 can really have a good swipe at the ball and strike at a very high strike rate. So, I really don't see any motivation or any motive rather behind so many chops and changes in the batting order.”

• Sunil Gavaskar

Indian cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar also questioned the Men in Blue’s frequent batting order changes, noting that it unsettles the team’s flow. He further voiced concern over captain Suryakumar Yadav’s struggles with form, sharing his thoughts with India Today on the need for stability and consistent performance.

He said, “ Sometimes, when you are looking to give batters some practice, you tend to move your batting order just that little bit. I don't think there should be too much of a change in the batting order. That can affect the rhythm of the team. Batting order also needs a rhythm.”

He continued, “ Occasionally, you can push somebody up, looking at the circumstances. But to push a finisher like Dube at No. 3 was a little bit difficult. That is one area where India faltered a little bit. You yourself as captain have not scored runs in the previous game.”

He further said, “ It is important for the captain to come in and get a few runs. He came at No. 4 and got out, looking to play the same shot [like previous game]. That's a very productive shot for him, but when you are getting out to that, maybe you should not play it till you have really got the feel of the surface.”

• Irfan Pathan

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan pointed out that India’s flexible batting order can make it tough for players to adjust to new roles. Highlighting the importance of strong finishes in the death overs, he shared his views on his YouTube channel (@officialIrfanPathan), stressing the need for consistency and clarity in the lineup.

He said, “ India have a very flexible batting line-up, the batters have to be flexible, they may have to bat at different positions. Sometimes they have to bat out of position, and that is not an easy task, it is difficult. Today, we saw Shivam Dube coming in at No.3, it is understandable because he has not batted much. So, he can get some batting time and also at that time spin was being bowled.”

He further said, “ The match-up was right there, but Sanju Samson had to bat quite low, Tilak Varma also got demoted. It is difficult to bat down the order and show the aggression straightaway. Sanju Samson did not even come to bat, the No.8 position is a position that is quite low for him. Even Axar Patel struggled, he is someone who is fluent mostly, even he did not seem in good rhythm.”

He added, “ Overall, looking at the batting, it seems that Abhishek Sharma is now the mainstay. India were 110 at one stage after Abhishek Sharma got out, and you expect to get 200 from there, but they could not even score 170. Apart from Hardik Pandya, the other lower middle-order batters, it seems like they need to work hard if they need to be successful in that finishing role.”

He concluded, “ Eventually, at the big stage, not Asia Cup, they might not need it here, but there will be a time where India will have to improve their finishing, especially the lower middle order batters who are used to batting in the top or middle order.”

• Kris Srikkanth

Ex-India opener Kris Srikkanth also slammed the team’s frequent batting order changes, calling them “a worrying trend.” He stressed that the top four should remain fixed and described the middle order as chaotic, sharing his views on his YouTube channel (@CheekyCheeka).

He said, “ Shivam Dube at 3, though it was to combat Rishad Hossain, every match chopping and changing the batting order is not a good sign. Though India are playing against several poor sides, it's still a major tournament. It's almost better off they don't play such a tournament and just hand the trophy to Team India.”

He further said, “ But the batting order should be settled. Where they can play around is whether Hardik Pandya bats at 5 or if Sanju Samson can bat at the position. But the top four should be settled at all times. By changing that only it is becoming a problem.”

He added, “ Tilak Varma played beautifully in the last game but got out early this time. What happens with so much changing is that the player loses confidence. The player should not lose confidence. They promoted Axar Patel in the end ahead of Samson. For that, they could have sent Axar Patel at 3. Instead of Dube, you could have sent Axar.”

He concluded, “ Axar has batted at No. 3 in the T20 World Cup itself. Even Dube didn't score in this game and two games prior, so he might lose confidence. Same with Sanju Samson so all our middle order batters have barely played one innings. So if you have a fixed top four, this problem will not arise. At the moment, the middle order is disorganised.”

Following their win over Bangladesh, India confirmed their place in the Asia Cup 2025 final. Their last Super 4 match is scheduled against Sri Lanka on Friday, September 26, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where they will look to continue their dominant run.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan criticized ex-Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi for speaking ill of him in the media after India's six-wicket win over Pakistan in the second Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 21. India won the match on the arm of Abhishek Sharma's brilliant half-century. However, the discussion was quickly shifted toward Pathan speaking to how Afridi and other former players from Pakistan constantly drag his name in media discussions. 

The Baroda-born all-rounder stated that repeatedly former Pakistan players mention his name on television programs and social media in a derogatory fashion to attract attention. Pathan also stated that while he does not approve of those actions, if those actions help feed their families and provide for their families, then he is happy for them. In addition, he pointed out that multiple of them appear on national news programs solely to speak against him and to turn his name into a vehicle for unnecessary attention.

See Also: Wasim Akram Criticises Pakistan After India Win; Misbah and Malik Praise Indian Openers: ‘I’m Speaking My Heart’

“Whoever these former cricketers from the neighbouring nation (Pakistan) make shows on my name in the media, keep doing it. You earn from it, you are able to feed your family through my name, so I am happy, honestly. I am not making any taunts here. And if you look in the media, they make many shows using my name. The former cricketers take my name on their social media handles. Some of them go on news channels and talk rubbish about me,” said Pathan in a video on his YouTube Channel.

We will definitely bite you back: Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan remarked that Indians usually do not pay much attention to the outcomes of other teams’ matches unless India is directly involved. He highlighted this by recalling how neither he nor any Indian cricketers publicly reacted or tweeted when Pakistan suffered a shocking defeat to Zimbabwe during the 2022 T20 World Cup. Pathan stressed that, in general, Indian fans and players seldom concern themselves with the failures of other nations. However, he cautioned that while Indians prefer to stay indifferent, they will not hesitate to respond strongly if provoked or unnecessarily targeted in public discussions or media narratives.

“We Indians, on the other hand, don't even talk about any other team when India isn't playing. Pakistan lost to Zimbabwe in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Neither I nor any Indian cricketer tweeted about it on social media, because we actually don't care at all. Whether Pakistan or any other team wins or loses, we do not care. We only talk about it when Pakistan plays against India and even criticize our shortcomings, but don't care about your team. If you come and poke us, we will definitely bite you back,” said Pathan.

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan showcased his astute cricketing sense once again during Asia Cup 2025. During the intense Super 4 match between India and Pakistan being held at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 21, Pathan suggested to Hardik Pandya that he should slow down his pace. At this stage, the Pakistan openers were establishing early pressure and were confident in attacking both Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay overs. On the second delivery of his second over, Pandya got hit for a boundary by Fakhar Zaman; hence, Pathan’s advice came at the right time. 

Almost immediately afterward, Pandya obliged with Pathan's suggestion of pace and bowled a slower ball, which brought the much-needed breakthrough. Fakhar Zaman, who looked to be in good form and played a brief inning, mistimed the slower ball and edged it behind to Sanju Samson, who took the catch comfortably. There was a quick review by the third umpire, who saw the legality of the catch, and Zaman had to head back to the pavilion for 15 runs off 9 balls. This dismissal put the momentum in India's favor, and it proved to be a good tactic from Pathan. What we saw here was a spot-on commentary prediction, proving that commentary can, at times, align directly as play unfolds in live sport.

"He should go towards the slower ball, in my opinion, because when the catch was dropped, there was just this puff of dust that went off. He should use this dryness of the surface, and Suryakumar Yadav should go to the spinners as well (in the powerplay)," Pathan said on Sony Sports Network.

Watch the video here;

Right again, Mr. Pathan...as always👏

Watch #INDvPAK LIVE NOW, on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/UXfTHiXjA8

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 21, 2025

Irfan Pathan gets his prediction right again in Asia Cup 2025

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has been making waves with his on-point predictions throughout the Asia Cup 2025. Earlier in the tournament, he foresaw Jasprit Bumrah delivering a trademark yorker to dismiss UAE opener Alishan Sharafu during the group stage clash. At that moment, the UAE openers appeared to be settling in, but Pathan noted that Bumrah often unleashes the yorker in such situations. True to his analysis, the Indian pacer executed the delivery perfectly, breaking the partnership and putting India back in control.

India’s form in the tournament continues to impress, with the Men in Blue securing four consecutive victories so far in the Asia Cup 2025. Their consistency has been fueled by both individual brilliance and collective team effort. Next, they are set to lock horns with Bangladesh in the Super 4 stage. The much-anticipated clash is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, at the Dubai International Stadium, where India will look to extend their winning streak and strengthen their grip on the campaign.