Irfan Pathan is concerned about the Indian middle-order ahead of World Cup 2019

The Men in Blue suffered a huge blow with an unanticipated 3-2 defeat in the home series against Australia. After leading 2-0 by the end of the first couple of ODIs, at Hyderabad and Nagpur, India shockingly lost the final three matches as the visitors took control. Following three consecutive defeats for India, who had solid start initially in the series, Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan pointed out a few weakness in the team.

India rested veteran wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni for the final two ODIs and brought in Rishabh Pant at No. 5, more so an experiment ahead of the big event, the World Cup. After having won at Ranchi, that looked more like an upset at that point, the reduced Australian side made the best use of their resources to produce impressive performances and clinch the series away from the hosts. India, the better team on paper, was totally outclassed by the Aaron Finch led Aussie side.

After back to back defeats for Australia at Hyderabad and in Nagpur, the visitors shone in Ranchi and Mohali. Following that it all boiled down to one good game, at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, wherein they produced remarkable efforts to win the five-match ODI series. However, Irfan advises the Indian team to not look much into the series defeat against Australia.

Addressing the No. 4 slot, which has been a major concern for India of late, he suggests that Ambati Rayudu will be the right person for the job during World Cup 2019. Meanwhile, Vijay Shankar who has been proving his mettle and justifying his position in the team should be considered too. Perhaps, the No. 4 issue still sustains as a headache for the management.

Hopefully this loss won’t effect the team’s confidence

He took to Twitter for stating his best interest for the team. ”Hopefully this loss won’t effect the confidence of the Indian team and by the time World Cup arrives team would have sorted middle order positions. Well done Australia for winning the series,” the 34-year-old wrote.

Hopefully this loss won’t effect the confidence of the Indian team and by the time World Cup arrives team would have sorted middle order positions.Well done Australia for winning the series #IndvsAus

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 13, 2019

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