Irfan Pathan takes 'Legends League' dig at IPL stars after multiple fielding lapses in PBKS-CSK tie

Irfan Pathan criticised the fielding standards in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) where several catches were dropped by both teams.

Punjab put on a daunting total of 219/6 after Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bat first in Mullanpur on Tuesday, April 8. Priyansh Arya slammed an incredible 39-ball century, while Shashank Singh (52*) and Marco Jansen (34*) made significant contributions. In reply, CSK were restricted to 201/5, with Devon Conway top-scoring with a 49-ball 69.

However, apart from the impressive batting performance from Arya, the abysmal fielding display from the two teams is also being talked about in the cricket fraternity. As many as eight catches were dropped in the entire encounter. This didn't please Pathan, who took a jibe at the IPL by mentioning the Legends League.

"8 drop catches in the game today. Itne to legend league mein Nahi chorte bhai (we don't drop this many even in legend leagues)," the former India all-rounder wrote on 'X' (formerly Twitter).

Our fielding has been critical: Ruturaj Gaikwad

"I think the last four games, the only point of difference (fielding being the difference). It has been critical. The catches we have been dropping, the same batsman is scoring 15, 20, 30 runs," said CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad after CSK slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat of the season.

"We were getting wickets at regular intervals, but they kept the momentum going. 10–15 runs lesser would have helped us. But it comes down to dropped catches. It was spot-on in the batting perspective. Two of our best batters (Rachin and Conway) who play pace well went at the top of the order. They had a good powerplay. Lot of positives in the batting department. We were two-three hits away today, Devon is more of a timer of a ball," he added.

CSK will look to turn things around when they return to action on Friday, April 11, in a home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on the following day in Uppal.