{
  "id": 17566075,
  "title": "‘Would have pushed the coach to send Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir’: Irfan Pathan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/would-have-pushed-the-coach-to-send-tilak-varma-and-naman-dhir-irfan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-01T08:38:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/would-have-pushed-the-coach-to-send-tilak-varma-and-naman-dhir-irfan-pathan-10945868/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India found themselves in a tricky situation during the fourth T20I, chasing a large target of 260 runs. After the powerplay, the team opted to send Axar Patel in place of Naman Dhir or Tilak Varma, despite the latter two being considered valuable batting options. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed regret over this decision, suggesting that sending Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir would have been a better choice. Both players have been excelling in T20 cricket, and Pathan believes that giving them more opportunities could yield great results for the team. Pathan acknowledged that Axar Patel's recent performances, including his stellar display in the World Cup final, played a role in his selection, but he stressed the potential that Tilak and Naman Dhir possess if given a fair chance to play more balls.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Irfan Pathan regrets sending Axar Patel instead of Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir.",
    "Both Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir have been excelling in T20 cricket.",
    "Pathan believes giving them more opportunities could yield great results."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}