CSK's surprising decision to send Mahendra Singh Dhoni to bat at No 9 during their run chase against RCB has drawn sharp criticism from former cricketers and fans.
Yusuf Pathan, a hard-hitting batsman, useful off-spinner and brilliant fielder, made it to the Indian Twenty20 team more on the strength of his aggressive approach to the game.
'He has been working hard on his bowling. This was a perfect game for him.'
Irfan Pathan claimed five wickets and contributed valuable 29 runs as India managed a 20-run win over Sri Lanka in the dead fifth rubber to complete a 4-1 series drubbing in Pallekele on Saturday.
Could this opportunity, to work on his bowling away from the spotlight, be the making of Pathan?
'Going forward, they might need 4-6 weeks to get going themselves. It's a tough job and if you are bowling 140-150 kmph, running about 25 yards to bowl one ball at a time and then keep bowling for a few overs.'
Recalled to the squad under fortuitous circumstances, all-rounder Irfan Pathan vowed to utilise the opportunity to the fullest extent and also saw the Sri Lanka tour as a good preparation for the Indian cricketers ahead of the World T20.
India captain Sourav Ganguly also hailed the 'outstanding performance' by Sachin Tendulkar.
After a good showing with bat and ball, Baroda pacer Irfan Pathan is confident of returning to the Indian team soon.
Rahul Sharma recorded a hat-trick as India Masters crushed South Africa by eight wickets to record their third consecutive victory in the International Masters League.
One doesn't become an all rounder in one or two years, I have to keep performing, said the 21-year-old.
Delhi Daredevils all-rounder Irfan Pathan has called on the middle-order batsmen of his side to fill in the gap left by Kevin Pietersen, and also hoped that struggling Kiwi batsman Ross Taylor would soon regain his lost touch.
Irfan Pathan scored a brisk unbeaten 42 to guide Delhi Daredevils to a comfortable eight-wicket win over hosts Kolkata Knight Riders in a rain-curtailed 12-overs-a-side Indian Premier League match at Eden Gardens on Thursday.
Irfan Pathan tells Haresh Pandya he's looking forward to rebuilding his career and playing for India again.
Salim Durrani advised Pathan to keep his feet firm on the ground and keep up the good work.
Irfan Pathan predicts playing XI for India in T20 World Cup
He also hit 15 runs off 6 balls as Middlesex beat Worcestershire by 32 runs in the one-day National League Division One match on Monday.
Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan claimed the honours in the averages charts of the India-Sri Lanka series
Reader Shreya Paranjape sent us these pictures from Christchurch, New Zealand.
Shaun Pollock heads the ODI ratings while Jacques Kallis tops in Tests.
A statistical look at the leading Indian pacers ahead of the tour of New Zealand.
The left-hander will play for West Zone in the inter-zonal match against Central Zone before leaving for the World Cup on February 28.
The former Pakistan captain is also not impressed by the constant changes in composition and strategies of the Indian side.
The left-arm pacer terms his two-month county stint in England as tough but a rewarding one.
Reader Pratyush Jagdishwala sent us these pictures from Sydney.
The left-arm seamer has fully recovered from a side strain and is raring to take on Pakistan in the upcoming series.
Hardik Pandya secured a Grade A contract despite not participating in Ranji Trophy matches
India should draft all-rounder Irfan Pathan and Manoj Tiwary in the side for the next tri-series match even if it means dropping a spinner along with Suresh Raina, suggested former skipper Sourav Ganguly.
Rohit called time on his red-ball career with immediate effect, bringing the curtains to a remarkable journey.
A R Rahman, Mahesh Babu, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan and Sania Nehwal among others were part of the farewell party on Sunday.
It will be a three-way battle between Irfan Pathan, Abhimanyu Mithun and Ashok Dinda when the national selectors decide on Praveen Kumar's replacement for the four Test series against Australia starting from December 26.
India captain Dravid dropped out of the batting top 10, down three places to 12th.
