“Gautam Gambhir would have definitely used those words in the dressing room” - Irfan Pathan on India’s rare batting collapse against the USA

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has stated that the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir would’ve used some harsh words on the Indian batters after their rare collapse against the USA side in their first group stage clash on Saturday, February 7, in Mumbai.

Speaking exclusively to JioStar, Irfan also asserted that Gambhir might not have used any harsh words while hosting the Indian team for a dinner at his residence in Delhi ahead of the Namibia clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

"I have heard those words, 'Do you want to hear the truth?' You will expect that from Gautam for sure. He won't speak much about cricket at home. When you invite the team home and sit together and have dinner, you want to keep a slightly soft atmosphere," Irfan Pathan said on JioStar.

"However, on the ground, the way the batters performed against USA, Gautam would have definitely used those words in the dressing room, and he would have made the batters listen to the truth," he added.

"However, it's the first match. The team is coming after playing excellent cricket. So you don't want to go into too much detail. As it's said, too much analysis leads to paralysis. So I am sure Gautam wouldn't have done that. You let one match go," he noted.

Moreover, Irfan also opened up on the changes India might make against its arch-rival Pakistan on Sunday, February 15, in Colombo. Additionally, the former all-rounder asserted that the Indian team should play the same XI against Namibia and Pakistan.

"My eyes are already on the match on the 15th. Considering that, can the same team play against Namibia? There will be changes. If Bumrah comes, a fast bowler will go out. Considering where you are playing against Pakistan, will you want to go towards one more spinner?" he observed.

"If you want to do that, do you want to play one more spinner against Namibia? That one thing would definitely be there in the Indian team's thought process. It will be interesting to see what they do. I will definitely want them to play the XI that will play against Pakistan," the former all-rounder concluded.

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