5 Indian lower order batsmen who were promoted to the top order

#4 Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan is way more than just handy with the bat

He stormed in like thunder, threatened to dominate world cricket and gradually faded away in the dust. While skills with the ball in hand were never a concern for the man from Baroda, he was also no mug with the willow.

Bowling was primary to him with batting being a bonus. Nevertheless, he played some handy knocks in the top order. From October 2004 to August 2008, Pathan played 27 international games in the top-order which goes to prove that he had the pedigree of a specialist batsman. His maiden Test Century versus Sri Lanka was a treat to the eyes.

The fact that it turned out to be detrimental to his bowling was something that India couldn’t afford. He lost his primary weapon- swing- and his pace dipped rapidly and it’s attributed to his expulsion from the team. He had all the attributes to become a quality all-rounder, but his career went in the wrong direction. The illustrations below will reveal how much he enjoyed batting.

One Day Internationals

Position	Matches	Runs	Average	Centuries	Highest
6 and below	99	1051	22.36	0	64
1 to 5	21	493	25.94	0	83
Tests
Position	Matches	Runs	Average	Centuries	Highest
6 and below	28	902	32.17	1	102
1 to 5	6	203	29.00	0	93