Former player blames Ravindra Jadeja for India’s defeat in 2nd ODI vs South Africa

Former cricketer Irfan Pathan pointed to Ravindra Jadeja’s lack of intent as a key reason for India’s defeat against South Africa in the second ODI of the series. Despite a strong middle-order performance earlier in the innings, India could only manage 74 runs in the final 10 overs.

After the explosive innings from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, India’s momentum faltered in the death overs. Skipper KL Rahul’s unbeaten 66 off 43 balls was a valiant effort, but Washington Sundar (1 off 8 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja (24 off 27 balls) were unable to accelerate.

Following South Africa’s chase in 49.2 overs, Pathan shared his thoughts on Jadeja’s innings, calling it a huge disappointment on his YouTube channel.

“There was one issue for me. Ravindra Jadeja’s innings of 24 not out off 27 balls was slow. While commenting, we pointed out that this could cost India, and in the end, it did. When you’re in a strong position, over 300, with everyone else striking at more than a run a ball, and you are scoring at a strike rate of 88, it shows a lack of urgency in the innings. Sometimes a slow knock happens, which is fine, but Jadeja’s intent was disappointing,” Pathan said on his show Seedhi Baat.

At the end of the 40th over, India stood at 289 for 4 after the dismissal of Virat Kohli. However, the team failed to score heavily in the final stages of the ODI innings.

Pathan pointed out that India needed more runs, as dew was expected in the second innings. KL Rahul later echoed this view, emphasising that a bigger score would have given India more security.

“The intent could have been better, and I’m not saying this in hindsight. We mentioned it during commentary as well. The ball would get wet, which always causes issues for the fielding side. South Africa’s strategy was to start cautiously, but Jadeja not contributing enough with the bat became a disappointing factor for India,” Pathan concluded.

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