Irfan Pathan reveals the most important player for the Indian cricket team
According to former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, Jasprit Bumrah is the most crucial player in the Indian squad and his first Test hat-trick against the Caribbean side won’t be his last. Jasprit Bumrah claimed 13 wickets in two Test matches, which included a hat-trick in the first innings of the second Test to lead the men in blue to a 2-0 series win in West Indies which took India to the top of the pile in ICC World Test Championship table with 120 points.
Jasprit Bumrah, who is viewed as one of the best bowler in the world in all three formats of the game, joined the elite list alongside Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh as only the third Indian bowler to have taken a hat-trick in Test cricket.
“I really believe that he is the most important cricketer in the team,” Irfan told IANS.
“When Bumrah is not playing for India, it’s a bigger loss than anybody else. He is such an important part of the team. Indian cricket is blessed to have a guy like him,” the former India all-rounder said.
“India needs to look after him. He is kind of bowler who can be successful in all three formats of the game.”
Irfan Pathan was the last Indian bowler before Jasprit Bumrah to take a Test hat-trick. Irfan annihilated the Pakistani side in the first over of the Karachi Test in 2006.
“I am pretty sure that this won’t be his last hat-trick,” said Irfan who has 301 wickets across formats. Irfan was also part of India’s inaugural T20 World Cup triumph in 2007.
“It is out of the world feeling. You know that it doesn’t happen regularly,” said the 34-year-old when asked how it feels after you have got the three wickets in three consecutive deliveries of an over.
“Some players don’t get to take a hat-trick in their career. Once you do that, you have achieved something rare,” said Irfan, who is now the mentor-cum-coach of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team besides doing commentary.
Irfan Pathan on his own hat-trick memories, said: “I would like to dedicate it to my family. It was so special and nothing would be possible without the support of my family.”
