Irfan Pathan has offered a critical assessment of Hardik Pandya's batting performance in the second T20 International (T20I) between India and South Africa, suggesting that the all-rounder's usual approach was ineffective on the Mullanpur pitch. The former India all-rounder's remarks came after Pandya's relatively slow innings of 20 runs off 23 balls, a stark contrast to his explosive unbeaten 59 off 28 deliveries in the previous match at Cuttack.
India faced South Africa in the second T20I of the ongoing five-match series on December 11, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, India watched Quinton de Kock lead the South African charge, scoring 90 runs off 46 balls. Donovan Ferreira (30 off 16 balls) and David Miller (20 off 12 balls) also contributed, helping the Proteas reach a total of 213/4 in their 20 overs. In response, India struggled to build momentum, eventually being bowled out for 162 in the final over, losing the match by 51 runs.
Pandya's innings was uncharacteristic, particularly when compared to his performance in the first T20I where he earned the Player of the Match award. In that match, his aggressive batting had steered India to a competitive total. However, in Mullanpur, he found it difficult to replicate that form.
Pathan took to social media to share his views on Pandya's performance. He pointed out that the nature of the pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, which offered less bounce and pace, did not suit Pandya's "stand-and-deliver style". Pathan emphasized the importance of footwork on such surfaces, suggesting that Pandya needed to adjust his technique to score effectively.
"It's amazing how the game works. Just a day ago, on a different pitch, Hardik looked solid. But on a surface that offered something for the bowlers, his stand-and-deliver style didn't click, because when the pitch lacks pace or bounce, you've got to move your feet," Pathan posted on X.
Pandya, who was returning to the national side after an injury, had a significant impact in the first T20I, also taking one wicket for 16 runs in his two overs. In the second T20I, while he aimed to achieve the milestone of 100 T20I wickets, he ultimately fell short. He walked back with a scratchy 20 off 23, and India lost half their side.
Despite a valiant effort from Tilak Varma, who scored 62 runs off 34 balls, India's batting lineup faltered. Shubman Gill was dismissed for a golden duck, and Suryakumar Yadav scored only 5 runs. Axar Patel contributed 21 runs off 21 balls, while Jitesh Sharma added 27 runs off 17 balls.
Looking ahead, India will aim to bounce back in the third T20I, scheduled to be played in Dharamshala on December 14, 2025.
