Former India cricketer turned commentator Irfan Pathan made a shocking revalation during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) match between defending champions Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals. It is to be noted that Irfan Pathan’s remarks came on India’s tour of Australia in the year 2003-04.
The India all-rounder claimed that former India skipper Sourav Ganguly did not want Irfan to be part of the squad touring Australia in that edition. “Sourav Ganguly did not want me in the squad for Australia tour 2003-04,” Pathan said while commentating in Hindi during the match.
This tour was eventually Irfan Pathan’s debut tour. During both these veteran’s playing days, it is said that ‘Dada’ has his reservations with Pathan. Ganguly’s reservations came as he saw Irfan to be a young 19-year-old boy, seeing that it might be a challenge for him at that time. Irfan Pathan has earlier also opened up on this discussion, stating, “Dad thought that I was too young as a 19-year-old to be playing in Australia and that I would be challenged.”
It is to be noted that India’s 2003-04 tour comprised seven First-Class matches, including four Tests. However, the Border Gavaskar Trophy, which has four Tests was drawn 1-1 in that edition, with India retaining the trophy.