Irfan Pathan's Big Take On Cape Town Pitch: 'It's A Skill They Need To Improve'

The Newlands pitch came under the spotlight centre-stage after 23 wickets fell on the opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa. Home captain Dean Elgar decided to bat first but the decision eventually backfired as the Proteas were folded for a mere 55 in the first innings. Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj was breathing with the ball as he picked up six wickets.

Despite earning an advantage early in the game, India failed to make full use of the situation. South Africa’s pace triumvirate of Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi claimed three wickets each to bowl out India for 153 in the first innings. South Africa ended the day’s play at 62/3.

The bouncy nature of the Cape Town pitch did surprise many and former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan also shared his view on this matter on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Irfan stated that it is not that the pitch is bad but the skills that should be analysed. Irfan also did not forget to point out how cricketers and touring teams often complain about the spin-friendly pitches in India.

“When overseas cricketers come to India on turning pitches they shouldn’t complain. It’s a skill they need to improve,” Irfan Pathan wrote on X.

The Indian cricket team went on to win the game well inside two days to level the Test series 1-1. Following the completion of a historic seven-wicket triumph, India skipper Rohit Sharma also talked about the bouncy Cape Town track. The Indiagreat clarified that he is not bothered about playing in such conditions but others must stop criticising the turning tracks in India.

“I mean, we saw what happened in this match, how the pitch played and stuff like that. I honestly don’t mind playing on pitches like this. As long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India and doesn’t talk too much about Indian pitches, honestly,” Rohit Sharma said.

Chasing a 79-run target, India, quite comfortably, scored the winning runs in 12 overs. With this, the second and final Test, between India and South Africa, turned out to be the shortest-ever match completed (642 balls) in the history of this format.