"I’ll always stand up for you" - Yusuf Pathan shares heartfelt birthday wish for brother Irfan Pathan
Former Team India all-rounder Irfan Pathan turned 40 on Sunday, October 27. On his special day, he received a special birthday wish from brother Yusuf Pathan.
Taking to his official Instagram handle, Yusuf penned down a heartfelt note for his younger brother. He mentioned that Irfan was not just a brother but also his guide and greatest friend.
Yusuf captioned the post:
"Happy Birthday, @irfanpathan_official 🎂 I might be the one sitting down, but I’ll always stand up for you, just like you’ve done for me. Here’s to another year of being my brother, my guide, and my greatest friend. Much love always! 🙏🏼❤️."
Irfan Pathan made his international debut in 2003 against Australia in Adelaide. The left-arm pacer is considered one of the greatest exponents of swing bowling in the country by many.
The highlights of Irfan's career include a first-over Test hat-trick against Pakistan in 2006 and a Player of the Match award in the 2007 T20 World Cup final. He announced his retirement on January 4, 2020. However, he continues to feature in T20 leagues featuring retired players.
"Senior players need to step up and deliver" - Irfan Pathan on India's Test series defeat to New Zealand
With back-to-back victories in Bengaluru and Pune, New Zealand have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing three-match Test series against India. The Blackcaps scripted history, clinching their maiden Test series win on Indian soil.
India, on the other hand, faced their first-ever home Test series defeat in 12 years. Reacting to the result, Irfan Pathan emphasized that the senior Indian players need to deliver in red-ball cricket.
Irfan wrote on X:
"Well done, New Zealand, on winning the series on Indian soil! For Team India, there’s a lot to reflect on. Senior players need to step up and deliver in the ultimate format of the game. The next three months will be crucial for them."
The third and final Test of the series between India and New Zealand will be played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, November 1.