Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, part of the squad that won the ICC World T20, has urged the Men in Blue to prioritise winning their upcoming T20 World Cup matches rather than worrying about net-run-rate calculations ahead of the crucial clash against Zimbabwe. Pathan also suggested that captain Suryakumar Yadav could bat at number three to provide balance to a top order dominated by left-handers.India’s title defence has reached a tense stage. After a record 76-run victory over South Africa – the defending champions now face a tricky path. They must rely on South Africa remaining unbeaten while securing wins against Zimbabwe and the West Indies to keep their tournament hopes alive.
If that scenario falters, net-run-rate could decide India’s fate. With the West Indies boasting a net-run-rate above +5 and South Africa over +3, India’s negative net-run-rate makes it highly unlikely for them to catch up. Even a single slip by the Proteas could end India’s campaign.Speaking on JioStar’s Follow the Blues, Pathan said, “I really hope that approach of playing for net run-rate does not come into play at the start of the game. The priority should be winning the game first. So, perform well and try to win. Only then should you think about the run-rate. If you start thinking about chasing the net run-rate of, say, the West Indies, that is almost impossible. That would mean beating teams like Zimbabwe and the West Indies by a margin of 100 runs, which is not easy in T20 cricket. So, I sincerely hope that when the Indian team plays these next two matches, the main focus is simply on winning first.”India’s top order has been heavily left-hand dominated, with Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma leading the charge. While Ishan has shown glimpses of form, Abhishek has struggled, scoring just 15 runs across four innings, including three ducks. Tilak has made 107 runs in five innings but at a strike rate just over 118, falling short of India’s usual explosive T20 style. Both Abhishek and Ishan have struggled against off-spin.Pathan also explained the cautious approach adopted by Yadav, whose strike rate in the mid-130s reflects the lack of dependable support at the top. Yet he believes moving the skipper to number three could provide balance and reduce the dominance of left-handers.“I think Surya can bat at number three. From the team’s perspective, I understand the conservative approach, especially because Abhishek has been getting out early. In the last game, Ishan Kishan got out in the first over. You do not want to expose Suryakumar Yadav at number three when he is so effective in the middle overs, striking at 160. If something goes wrong with the new ball, just one good delivery can get him out. So, I understand the thinking. However, they still need to consider batting Suryakumar Yadav at number three to break the monotony of having three left-handers at the top.”
