Greg Chappell opens up on allegations of ruining Irfan Pathan’s career

Irfan Pathan recently called it a day on his career from all forms of the game. After starting his career in bright fashion, Pathan somehow did not end up on the lines his potential promised in the early days.

Irfan was courageous and selfless: Greg Chappell

Former India coach  Greg Chappell has come out with high praise for Irfan Pathan. Chapell said that Irfan was courageous and selfless. He added that Pathan was ready to accept any roles given to him for the betterment of the team.

Greg Chappell worked as a coach for Team India during 2005-07 but had a considerable amount of controversies during the tenure.

Irfan Pathan was being promoted by Greg to bat higher up the batting order. Chappell wanted to turn Pathan into a genuine all-rounder. Pathan almost scored a ton against Sri Lanka at Firoz Shah Kotla. Also, his left-arm swing bowling came of age during Chappell’s time. His first over hat-trick against Pakistan is still fresh in the memories of cricket fans.

“Irfan proved that he was a very capable all-rounder. Apart from what he did in limited-overs cricket, he very nearly scored a Test century (93 vs Sri Lanka at the Ferozshah Kotla in Delhi). His swing bowling was very good, with the highlight for me being his hat trick in the first over of a Test match against Pakistan in Karachi,” said Chappell.

It is only fair to add that Greg Chappell was termed as responsible for Irfan Pathan’s downfall by some quarters of cricket fraternity.

Irfan clarified that it was not true and that can only be used as ‘cover-up’.

Indian Cricketers Congratulated Pathan

Indian players took to Twitter to congratulate Irfan Pathan on his career and wished him well for the life after retirement.

Buddy and a brother, someone I look upto. Pathan saab you'll be missed on the pitch. Have a blast and enjoy your 2nd innings! All the best @IrfanPathan your contribution to international cricket will always be remembered and cherished. pic.twitter.com/FJXO6KM7Jr

— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) January 4, 2020

Was such a joy to see #IrfanPathan evolve from a aspiring 17yr old cricketer when I first saw him into a mature International Cricketer. You can be very proud of what u have achieved not only as a cricketer but also in mentoring young cricketers from J&K. A very happy 2nd innings pic.twitter.com/T63yF3G7z7

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 4, 2020

So many match winning spells, numerous match winning innings, one of the best all arounders I have played with. You are a true champion @IrfanPathan my friend. Good luck for your second innings. Cheers #irfanpathan pic.twitter.com/J5GyGhhQ6g

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 4, 2020

It has been such a pleasure playing with u since we were only 14..hard to believe 21 years have gone by…thank you @IrfanPathan for all the memories..congratulations on a wonderful career..enjoy the new chapter of your life… pic.twitter.com/2jUZtnqq2P

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) January 4, 2020

Congratulations on an excellent career @IrfanPathan . Man of the Match in the T20 World Cup finals and some outstanding performances over the years. Wishing you some amazing time at commentary, photography and a lot more. Stay Blessed ! pic.twitter.com/aFv1lHiYxR

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 4, 2020

Irfan Pathan terms Rahul Dravid as Best Captain

Irfan Pathan has expressed his privilege about being able to play under Rahul Dravid. Pathan said Rahul was the best skipper he has played with. The King of Swing added that Rahul Dravid used him best among all the captains.

Under Rahul Dravid, Team India set a record of successive chases in ODIs. Various young players with likes of Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa, RP Singh, MS Dhoni alongside Pathan proved their mettle under Rahul Dravid. Dravid resigned as India captain after 2007 World Cup debacle.

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