Regarding Irfan Pathan’s Modest “Will Not Accept” Remark and Sunil Gavaskar’s Apology

The Rohit Sharma-led team was soundly defeated in the first Test of a two-match series in Centurion on Thursday, ending India’s aspirations of winning a Test series in South Africa in less than three days. India lost the match by an innings and 32 runs after being bowled out for 245 and 131 in their first and second innings, respectively, while South Africa reached 408 when batting second. A lighthearted discussion took place between former Indian cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan as they examined KL Rahul’s century in the first innings.

Irfan highlighted Rahul’s batting style and technique, complimenting his performance after he reached a century in the first innings. But the former all-rounder for India apologized for the lengthy address to the living icon, Gavaskar.

The former captain of India, nevertheless, said that he would not accept the apology since he thought Irfan was doing an excellent job of analyzing Rahul’s style.

Gavaskar said on Star Sports, “Even though he apologized, I will not accept. Inhone mujhe sorry bola lekin main accept nahi karunga.”

Irfan posted the video along with a touching message on his social media accounts.

“Today is not just an ordinary day; I am filled with gratitude. I am grateful to Sunny Sir for the encouraging remark. really brightened my year. Thank you,” the caption said.

I’m full of gratitude today, and it’s not just any day—I want to thank Sunny Sir for the encouraging remark. really brightened my year. Pic.twitter.com/0jk4uqOczR #Grateful

Dec. 27, 2023, Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
With only two games in the series, they can, at most, split the honors if they win the second Test, which begins in Cape Town on Wednesday.

India gave up a 163-run advantage in the first innings and collapsed to 131 all out in the second.

On a surface that was active, Virat Kohli scored a strong 76 runs for India before being the last man out, while the rest of the batting order crumbled against South Africa’s quick bowlers.

There were just 34.1 overs in the second innings. In an 82-ball inning, Kohli blasted 12 fours and a six. While Shubman Gill scored 26, no other batter was able to surpass six.

After taking five wickets for 59 in the first over, Rabada got two wickets for 32 and, with one last brilliant diving catch at long-on, removed Kohli from the game off Jansen, who took three wickets for 36.

Nandre Burger, a left-arm fast bowler, finished his thrilling first Test with four wickets taken for 33, giving him match stats of seven wickets for 83.