Pathan sent home

[King Tendulkar]

Correct decision sending him back to first class cricket DURBAN, Dec 25: Something like this has never happened in Indian cricket. On a bright and windy Christmas morning, Irfan Pathan was one of the last players to disembark from the team bus at the Kingsmead Ground. For once, he didn't meet the many warm and welcome eyes that were riveted on him; the childlike enthusiasm was also evidently missing as he finally entered the field. At that point, of course, very few knew about the turmoil in his mind and the approaching gloom. It was only when Dravid arrived to address the customary press conference that the big news was eventually broken: Pathan is being sent home. "Irfan's not getting as much cricket as we wanted him to in this series," explained Dravid. "We feel it's in his best interests to go back and play some Ranji Trophy games and regain his form and confidence," he added. Chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar, like always, was sharper and blunter. "He's just not bowling well. He needs to bowl a lot of overs and he can do that only by going back home, not by sitting here on the sidelines," he told TOI. Accordingly, Pathan, who has been an integral part of the so-called new Team India, will be on the plane shortly. He has been asked to play in the two Ranji games for his native Baroda, starting on January 2 and January 10. It's being hoped that far away from the acrid spotlight here, and against lesser batsmen, he will rediscover himself. The decision had its repercussions in Baroda. Former India opener and current Baroda coach, Ashok Mankad, slammed the unprecedented move, saying, "This will demoralise young players."

[King Tendulkar]

Re: Pathan sent home Whats the matter guys. To sad to see your hero axed to type. Time to eat humble pie. I was right you were wrong. Pathan is indeed Crapthan

[talksport]

Re: Pathan sent home Look carefully ...There is a thread down about Pathan and about you dancing naked ... :hic: Between Good comeback this week in fantasy

[King Tendulkar]

Re: Pathan sent home Indeed talksport. Not dancing naked but certainly happy I wont have to see his pies being chucked down at 75mph in indian colours

[Guest dada_rocks]

Re: Pathan sent home he doesn't chuck for sure :hic: