‘If Padikkal would have opened, the result could have been different’ – Yusuf Pathan after RR’s five-run loss to PBKS

After Jos Buttler suffered an injury to the little finger of his left hand in the eighth match of IPL 2023, the cricketer didn’t come out to open the innings as Ravichandran Ashwin got a promotion. Looking at this, former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan was very much surprised as he expected Devdutt Padikkal to open alongside youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal. Meanwhile, project Ashwin failed massively as the 36-year-old played just four deliveries and got out without opening his tally.

The two-time world champion also stated that if Padikkal would have opened, the result of the match could have been different, as Rajasthan ended up losing the match by just five runs.

“I was surprised to see Ravichandran Ashwin open the batting. I had expected Padikkal to open, but they went with Ashwin. The result might have been different if Padikkal had opened the innings because he has been playing the new ball for several years now. His numbers are far better as an opener compared to No. 4,” Pathan was quoted as saying by India Today.

The former cricketer also pointed out that Ashwin is better against the old ball and not so much against the new ball.

“RR could have used Ashwin after ten overs once the ball got a bit older. He is a good cricketer and can play some shots. He would have been better suited to that position. Facing the new ball isn’t easy, and it is always better to have an opener who has some experience,” Pathan added.

Prabhsimran Singh deserves to be appreciated: Yusuf Pathan

The former cricketer also appreciated Prabhsimran Singh, who smashed 60 runs off just 34 deliveries. Courtesy of his brilliant start and partnership with Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab Kings posted 197 runs on the board after 20 overs. 

“Prabhsimran Singh deserves to be appreciated. The kinds of shots that he played and the way he stitched together a good opening partnership with Shikhar Dhawan were very impressive,” said Pathan.

Now, after two back-to-back wins under the belt, Punjab Kings will be taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match on April 9 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.