Irfan- not in Aus Squad:

Its really nice to hear Irfan is selected for the last 2 ODIs against WI. But one thing which I don’t understand is that, when selectors show such a confidence in him, what is the point in not letting him in Indian squad against Australia. Mithun has done a pretty decent job in Ranji Trophy. But when compared with the performance of Irfan Pathan in Ranji, the performance of Mithun is certainly below par. Irfan is the leading wicket taker in the recent domestic circuit. Irfan has taken 21 wickets in the 3 match that he played.

Adding to this Irfan can swing the ball much much better when compared with Mithun. Mithun has better pace than Irfan. But one would have to agree that pace alone cant do the magic in Australia against Australia. And to add to that, it is well known that Aussies are great players of pace bowling. Also we have 2 quickies in Umesh and Aaron. I certainly don’t see the point in choosing Mithun ahead of Irfan.

All these favour Irfan. Also Irfan has played many times in Australia. So even considering the experience, Irfan is far ahead of Mithun. Irfan is a left hander which gives him added advantage. Already we have Ishant, Umesh and Aaron who were all right handers. So Irfan should have been considered. I feel he is the one satisfying all the criteria and an all rounder like Irfan is the growing demand of the hour for Indian cricket team.

It’s a bit perplexing decision by the selection committee choosing Mithun ahead of Irfan. Certainly we don’t understand what gave Mithun the edge ahead of Irfan. And to add to it, Mithun himself bowls at some where in the lower 130kmphs and he is a kind of bowler who batsmen favours to score runs because of his inconsistencies and also he doesn’t swing the ball. The only debating point is that Irfan hasn’t had great success in test cricket and even Mithun didn’t have had success in any format of the game. Even in IPLs he has gone for runs.

In spite of all these, the Indian selectors have gone with Mithun. Lets hope, he does a much better job in Australia.