Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged rookie fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar to hit the deck harder in the ODI format to get more help from the surface. Dar shared the new ball with Arshdeep Singh but failed to hit the right line and length.
The greenhorn pacer returned with figures of 0-33 in six overs he bowled despite help for the fast bowlers on the surface. He was the only Indian pacer, who failed to pick up a wicket.
Pathan noted that Dar’s deliveries kisses the pitch in the red-ball format but he needs to put in more effort in the 50-over version.
Earlier, Dar returned with expensive figures of 0-84 in 8.5 overs he bowled while making his ODI debut against the West Indies.
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “I have already conveyed my message to Auqib Nabi, but one piece of advice is that when he plays red-ball cricket, he kisses the ball onto the pitch. However, when he plays ODI or white-ball cricket, he will have to hit the ball a little harder into the pitch. The pace will remain the same; only the mindset will change. When he starts hitting the ball into the pitch, he will get more purchase, and his release point will also come down. That will benefit him more.”
Pathan is hopeful that Dar will be able to grab his opportunities in the upcoming games.
“So, hopefully, he gets more opportunities going forward and makes the most of them, something he hasn’t done with the opportunities he has received so far. Hopefully, he gets more chances in white-ball cricket because these opportunities don’t come around very often. He is undoubtedly a skilful bowler. Just a little tweak will make his job easier.”
The 2007 T20 World Cup winner feels India will play the same playing combination as Nitish Kumar Reddy will be released from the squad.
“Auqib Nabi and Anshul Kamboj are playing at No. 8 and No. 9, so we might see the same combination in the upcoming matches, especially since Nitish Kumar Reddy is no longer part of the squad. The Indian team played with that combination, and that could also be one of the reasons why Mohammed Siraj did not get an opportunity.”
The second ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at the Hnry Stadium, Wellington, on Saturday.
