'Would have pushed the coach to send Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir' - Irfan Pathan on India's fourth T20I selection

At Eden Park on October 30, New Zealand posted 259 for seven in their T20I innings against India, with Glenn Phillips striking 107 off 46 balls, including 10 sixes and 6 fours. India's chase fell short by 87 runs, finishing at 172 for nine. The result gave New Zealand a consolation win after India had led the series 3-0 before this fourth T20I.

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan has offered his perspective on India's batting approach during the chase. Pathan highlighted Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir's T20 form and suggested they should have been given higher-order opportunities when India lost early wickets in the powerplay.

Pathan emphasised Tilak and Naman Dhir's contrasting handedness and current form as reasons they deserved middle-order opportunities. The left-hander and right-hander combination could have provided balance during India's chase, particularly after the early powerplay collapses.

"So, if you want to go with right and left-hand combination, Tilak is there as a left-hander. Naman Dhir is there as a right-hander. And both these guys are playing their T20 cricket so well. If they get more opportunities, it will be great. If I was there in the dressing room, I would have pushed the coach to send Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir," Pathan was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

What was Pathan's perspective on Axar Patel's promotion in the order?

Pathan acknowledged the reasoning behind Axar Patel's promotion in the batting order, particularly given India's early wicket losses. Axar has a track record of performing in high-pressure situations for India. Pathan noted that Axar's recent performances in significant matches, including the World Cup final, may have influenced the selection decision.

"I get why Axar Patel was pushed up, especially when India were losing wickets. He has done it in the World Cup final as well. He has done it some other important games. So, that recency in their head, of him performing really well, goes in the favour of Axar Patel. But, if Tilak and Naman Dhir get more opportunities to play more number of balls, you never know what can happen," Pathan said.

New Zealand's 259 for seven marked their highest-ever T20I score. The previous best by the Black Caps was 254 for five against Scotland. India conceded their highest total in T20I cricket during this match, surpassing all previous records in the format.