CSK became the third team this season to start with three overseas players. Is that a smart strategy?
Pathan: It’s a very good strategy. This impact rule allows you to play 12 players. With CSK it’s no surprise. They know how to use their resources. They have a very good plan for each and every player. Like Rizvi today. He came at a time when there was very little pressure. Even if he got out to Rashid Khan, no one would say anything. But it allowed him to express himself. So they know how to use their resources. So I’m not surprised about their use of overseas players.
What do you think of having two bouncers in an over? And does it benefit bowlers who like to go pace-on or those who prefer variations like cutters?
Pathan: I love this rule, there’s something for bowlers. There are so many rules only for batters. Now the rules are coming in with something for the bowlers. Especially in T20 cricket, guys who use variations can get a lot of benefits. Pace-on bowlers, the bouncers can take outside edges, etc. So it will hugely benefit bowlers with variations.
Which Indian fast bowler will have a breakout season? (Harshit Rana, Yash Thakur, Yash Dayal, Akash Madhwal)
Pathan: Very excited for Mohsin Khan, provided he plays all the games. I think Yash Dayal was very impressive especially on that pitch, swinging the ball the way he did. In the first few overs, he put his senior partner Siraj behind him. As I always believe, left is right. So any gun left-armer.. I want to see with Yash Dayal, how he does when he is under the pump. After what has happened last year, there will always be question marks. So it is important for him to have a couple of games under pressure.
Was Rachin Ravindra the biggest steal of the IPL 2024 auction?
Pathan: Hasaranga hasn’t played yet, so I’ll just wait for him to play six-seven games. But Rachin Ravindra is a great buy for that kind of value. Lot of people thought he would get big bucks because of the World Cup he had. He is the kind of player who will be there for a long time, especially in T20 cricket despite the numbers he had in the format before the auction. I think he is great value for money.
