Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan’s promising career was cut short by recurring knee injuries. After making his debut in 2003, he played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs, and 24 T20Is for India until 2012. However, his hopes of a comeback were dashed when he was dropped from the team following an injury. Though he continued playing domestic cricket until 2019 while hoping to earn a recall, he retired from all formats in January 2020, ending a career hampered by injuries despite early success.

When responding to a question about “recency bias”, Irfan criticized former Indian opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who was the chairman of selectors at the time, for removing him from the team after he sustained an injury.

“I was in the Indian team when K Srikanth sir was our chief selector. Unfortunately, I sustained an injury and was removed from the team and never played for India again. That is the truth, and I have no complaints about it. I have tremendous respect for you. At that time, the mindset was different,” Irfan Pathan said.

Irfan highlighted how, after just one unsuccessful tour or injury, selectors would frequently disregard a player’s previous match-winning performances.

In addition, the 39-year-old opined that selectors must not pick a player after just one successful IPL season.

“In the 2020s, Wriddhiman Saha was out of the Indian team for over a year due to an injury. He was quickly chosen and added to the starting lineup after his recovery. A year is a considerable gap. However, the selection committee valued Saha’s past contributions prior getting injured. You don’t simply choose players who are winning the IPL and overlook others who performed well for India,” he added.

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