Irfan Pathan Opens Up on Being Dropped by MS Dhoni in 2009
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently spoke about a difficult phase in his career when he was dropped from the ODI team in 2009 under then-captain MS Dhoni. Pathan clarified that he doesn’t question Dhoni’s decision, but he believed his performances were strong enough to warrant a place in the team.
He revealed that the team’s coach at the time, Gary Kirsten, didn’t directly name Dhoni when explaining the decision, but Pathan understood that it was ultimately the captain’s call. This situation is similar to what former opener Virender Sehwag experienced in 2008, when he was dropped under Dhoni’s captaincy. Sehwag was persuaded by Sachin Tendulkar to continue playing and returned to the team after a few months. Pathan, however, had to wait for two years before being recalled in 2011, by which time India had begun focusing on younger bowling options.
Pathan recounted the timeline of events: the team was in New Zealand in 2009, after successful wins in Sri Lanka alongside his brother Yusuf Pathan. He felt that their performances, including winning a tight match against Sri Lanka, should have secured their places. Despite this, he was left out of the first three matches in New Zealand, and the fourth match ended in a rain-affected draw. Even the final match saw him sidelined.
Curious about the reasons, Pathan approached coach Gary Kirsten, asking for feedback. Kirsten gave two reasons, both beyond Pathan’s control, but it became clear that the ultimate decision rested with Dhoni, who as captain had the final say on team selection.
Pathan’s revelation sheds light on the challenges players face in international cricket, where selection decisions often involve a combination of performance, team strategy, and captaincy discretion. Despite the setback, Pathan returned to the national team in 2011, leaving behind a period of patience, persistence, and resilience.
Irfan Pathan Opens Up on Being Dropped by MS Dhoni in 2009
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently spoke about a difficult phase in his career when he was dropped from the ODI team in 2009 under then-captain MS Dhoni. Pathan clarified that he doesn’t question Dhoni’s decision, but he believed his performances were strong enough to remain in the team.
He revealed that coach Gary Kirsten provided two reasons for his exclusion. “Gary said, ‘There are things that are not in my hand.’ I asked whose hand it was in, but he didn’t tell me. I already knew—the decision rests with the captain, coach, and management. Dhoni was the captain at that time. I won’t say whether that decision was right or wrong because every captain can run the team in his own way,” Pathan explained.
The second reason was team composition. The management wanted a batting all-rounder at No. 7, which was Pathan’s brother, Yusuf Pathan. Irfan, being a bowling all-rounder, had to make way. He noted that today, teams would likely include both types of all-rounders, showing how selection strategies have evolved.
Pathan recounted the timeline: in 2009, India toured New Zealand after successful wins in Sri Lanka, but he was left out of the first three matches, and the fourth was a rain-affected draw. Curious about the reasons, he approached coach Kirsten for clarity and understood the final decision lay with Dhoni.
After waiting patiently, Pathan returned to the ODI team in 2011, playing 12 matches. In 2012, he scored 172 runs and took 19 wickets, marking his last year in international cricket. He eventually retired from all forms of cricket in 2020.
Pathan’s story highlights the complexities of international cricket, where performance, team strategy, and captaincy decisions can shape a player’s career. His patience, resilience, and eventual return are a testament to his determination and love for the game.
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