5 Indian players who have opened the batting and the bowling in the same ODI

#3 Irfan Pathan (1 ODI)

Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan seemed to be the answer to India's search for an all-rounder when he started his career with a bang in 2003.

Pathan initially started as a genuine bowler who could contribute with the bat if needed. He was exceptional with the ball at the start of the innings and annihilated several batting line-ups with his swing bowling.

However, it was under Greg Chappell that Irfan Pathan the all-rounder was unleashed. Batting at number 3, Pathan played some swashbuckling knocks.

In a game played at Kolkata in 2005, the Baroda all-rounder even opened the innings. Unfortunately however, the experiment failed as Pathan failed to open his account. He also failed to take early wickets with the ball as India lost the game by 10 wickets.

Ironically, many believe that Pathan's elevation as an all-rounder led to his downfall as a bowler. He last played an ODI for India way back in 2012.