Irfan Pathan praises India’s bold call as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s sudden rise becomes key before IND vs SA 3rd ODI

Ruturaj Gaikwad hit a strong 105 off 83 balls for India in the second ODI against South Africa on December 3, 2025, in Raipur. That century was his first in One-Day Internationals and came after a poor start when he made just eight in the series opener. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised the team management for keeping faith with Gaikwad and said that choice paid off. Pathan spoke about this on his YouTube channel ahead of the third and deciding ODI. 

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Irfan Pathan on selection and the big innings

Irfan Pathan said, “Nothing happens in one match and here, the management deserve credit,” at about 8:27 in his video reaction. 

He pointed out that India gave Gaikwad another chance at No. 4 even though players like Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma were in reserve. 

Pathan called Gaikwad’s running between the wickets and shot selection excellent and added that by scoring a hundred, Gaikwad has answered doubts about batting at that slot for now. 

Pathan also said he had expected Gaikwad to play all three matches in the series. These comments came after a strong partnership between Gaikwad and Virat Kohli that helped India post 358. 

On Sunday king plays for sure but on weekdays he plays with your plans. Brilliant 100 by Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/YIMpQ4Zifo

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 3, 2025

Prasidh Krishna, spinners and what Pathan wants India to fix next

Pathan also warned India about bowling lengths. He asked pacer Prasidh Krishna to bowl fuller and use the yorker more often, saying Krishna’s length control hurt India in parts of the chase. 

Pathan noted that when pitches do not offer grip, bowlers must hit the right length to stop South African batters. 

He added that the field had to be set straighter for spinners because the Proteas were looking to hit straight and the ball was coming on without much turn. 

Pathan felt these small tactical moves mattered after South Africa chased the total down in the final over to level the three-match series 1–1. 

India now faces a deciding third ODI, where Gaikwad will likely keep his place and bowlers must tighten lengths and plans. 

The match will show if the management’s trust in players like Ruturaj Gaikwad keeps paying off or if South Africa can finish the job in the series decider.