Key facts
- Irfan Pathan recommends Riyan Parag and Rajat Patidar for Team India
- Call comes after India's 4-0 T20 series defeat to England
- Both players are prominent IPL performers awaiting national opportunities
Irfan Pathan, the former India all-rounder and a respected voice in Indian cricket, has publicly urged the national selectors to hand opportunities to Riyan Parag and Rajat Patidar in Team India. Pathan's endorsement comes at a moment when India's T20 batting lineup is facing serious scrutiny following a 4-0 series defeat to England.
Both Parag and Patidar have been among the more eye-catching performers in the Indian Premier League in recent seasons, with attacking styles of play that suit the demands of modern T20 cricket. However, both players have been on the fringes of the national selection conversation, with selectors favouring more established names in the batting order.
Pathan's call reflects a growing sentiment among former players and analysts that India needs to look beyond its current batting blueprint, which has been described as one-dimensional. The 4-0 whitewash at the hands of England has sharpened that debate considerably, with the team failing to post or chase competitive totals.
Whether selectors act on such recommendations will depend on the outcome of BCCI's broader review of the T20 setup, which is already underway. If the coaching staff is restructured, it could also open the door to a fresh look at squad composition — potentially giving players like Parag and Patidar the breakthrough they have been waiting for.