Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Donovan Ferreira can win back-to-back matches for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 if he fires at all cylinders. The right-handed batter from South Africa was dismissed after scoring one run off three balls against Gujarat Titans in the last game.
The South African was not picked in the opening clash against Chennai Super Kings. Pathan said the right-hander is strong against the fast bowlers but he can be vulnerable against the spinners.
The 27-year-old was dismissed by his compatriot Kagiso Rabada on Saturday.
Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “Donovan Ferreira hasn’t scored runs yet. But he is that kind of batter. When his time comes, he can suddenly win you two matches back to back. That’s the kind of talent he has. He is very strong against fast bowling. He has missed out so far. He does have some trouble against spin.”
Meanwhile, Pathan reckons Mumbai Indians gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will need to be right on the money with his yorkers while bowling at the death against Donovan Ferreira.
Pathan added, “Most of the time when he comes in to bat, he will be up against a strong pace attack. When Bumrah comes on, even if it’s just one or two overs against Ferreira, you can be sure that Bumrah usually does not miss his yorkers, and he cannot afford to miss them either. Because against Donovan Ferreira, if a yorker is missed, he can hit it a long way. He is that powerful hitter, so he will be backed.”
On the other hand, Pathan reckons Riyan Parag vs Jasprit Bumrah will also be a key matchup. Parag has scored 17 runs off 21 balls against Bumrah and he has been dismissed once.
“Bumrah versus Riyan Parag. Look, Riyan Parag has scored 22 runs so far, hitting two boundaries. He hasn’t scored too many runs in these two matches. But this contest is very important because, as captain of Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag will want to play a long innings. Last time he faced Jasprit Bumrah, he got out to a bouncer. I consider Riyan Parag a very talented player, but he managed only 17 runs in front of Bumrah, playing perhaps 20 or 22 balls. His strike rate wasn’t very good, and he got out.”
MI will face RR in Guwahati on Tuesday.
