Just because some players are performing in the IPL, it doesn't mean they should automatically be selected: Irfan Pathan

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) comes closer to its end, the cricketing world is abuzz with discussions on potential selections for the upcoming World Cup.

Amid the fervour, former Indian cricketer and current commentator, Irfan Pathan, has thrown light on a crucial aspect that selectors need to keep in mind: the threat of recency bias.

Speaking on the Star Sports Press Room Show, "Ticket to World Cup," Pathan emphasised the need for selectors to maintain a balanced perspective when picking players for the World Cup squad. He drew attention to the tendency to place undue emphasis on IPL performances, cautioning against the automatic inclusion of players solely based on their recent exploits in the IPL.

Pathan's insights stem from his own experiences and observations within the cricketing fraternity. He highlighted the case of Wriddhiman Saha, who, despite being sidelined due to injury for a significant period, made a comeback to the Indian squad based on his past contributions. Pathan stressed the importance of considering a player's overall track record, both in international cricket and before the IPL fever began.

"Let's talk about the 2010s. Wriddhiman Saha was literally out of the team for a year due to injury. When he recovered, he returned to the squad and made it into the Playing XI after a year. A year is indeed a long period of time. The Indian team considered what he had contributed in the past before his injury. They didn't want to undervalue that; rather, they wanted to acknowledge it. So, they decided to give him some matches and see how he performs.

"When you're in a selection committee, you shouldn't forget a player's previous contributions for India, even before the IPL. You should never forget that, and I'm not referring to events from too far back. This should always be taken into consideration," Irfan said.

International cricket is a different beast altogether: Irfan

In his trademark candid style, Pathan emphasised that strong IPL performances don't guarantee automatic selection, noting the contrast between IPL conditions and the challenges of international cricket, where top-tier bowlers like Mitchell Starc pose a different test.

"Just because some players are performing well in the IPL, it doesn't mean they should automatically be selected. In the IPL, there are always one or two uncapped bowlers who can be easily smacked due to small grounds and flat pitches. However, international cricket is a different beast altogether.

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"You'll have five bowlers, each with a significant number of matches under their belt before entering the World Cup, bringing in tons of experience. You'll be up against top-quality bowlers like Mitchell Starc. While Starc's performance in the IPL may differ, you'll still be facing top-quality bowlers. For instance, from Sri Lanka, you might face someone like Pathirana. But you'll also have the other four bowlers, who are top-quality performers," he added.

Pathan urged selectors to delve beyond recent form and delve into a player's history of performances for the national team. He cautioned against overlooking the experience and expertise of seasoned international campaigners in favour of IPL sensations.

"So, don't overlook their contributions. While considering recent performances is important, remember their achievements for the Indian team before the IPL as well," he concluded.