Delhi Daredevils skipper Virender Sehwag came in defence of Irfan Pathan, who was bought for a whopping $1.9 million, after his team's 16-run defeat to Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League.
Pathan conceded 28 runs for a solitary wicket in his four overs and could score only five runs as the Daredevils crashed to their second defeat at the Ferozshah Kotla stadium, their home ground, and third in the tournament.
The Baroda player's performance in the IPL so far has been anything but impressive.
"He is coming from injury and will take some time. He is coming back after a one-and-a-half-year lay-off year and he picked up an early wicket. He gave just about 30 runs in four overs. He is getting better day by day," Sehwag said of the beleaguered all-rounder.
Sehwag also said that it was difficult to chase a stiff total at the Kotla wicket.
"Wicket has been like that for many years. It is difficult to chase 160-170 on this wicket. You have to apply yourself, have to give a good start to your team, which unfortunately didn't happen," he said.
"We did ask to prepare a couple of wickets but this is what we got," he added.
Asked about Yogesh Nagar who bowled just one over for 13 runs, Sehwag reasoned that the Delhi player is more of a batting all-rounder.
"He played as a batsman who can bowl," he said.
But the India opener admitted that his team lacked options in bowling, especially in the spin department.
"We don't have much options, don't have enough experience. Hope, we can find someone who can play for Delhi in coming years," he said.
