cricket

Updated: Mar 14, 2019 10:40 IST

Despite India’s abject surrender in their five-match series against Australia, all-rounder Irfan Pathan is hopeful that the team’s confidence will not suffer and the management will have sorted its middle order by the time the 2019 World Cup starts in England.

India looked in the ascendancy after winning the first two ODIs of their five-match series against the visiting Australians. But they suffered a steep slide in the next three games to lose the series 3-2, with losses in Ranchi, Mohali and Delhi.

Concerns have been raised about the impact the defeat will have on the team’s confidence as they look to win a third 50-over World Cup later this year in England.

Pathan, who has played 29 Tests and 120 ODIs for the national team, is hopeful that the defeat will not have any negative repercussions on the team’s psyche as they bid for the World Cup.

The 34-year-old also touched upon the crucial aspect of the team’s middle order, which has copped a lot of flak for a lack of consistency, both in selection and individual performances.

“Hopefully this loss won’t effect [sic] the confidence of the Indian team and by the time World Cup arrives team would have sorted middle order positions. Well done Australia for winning the series”, Pathan tweeted.

Hopefully this loss won’t effect the confidence of the Indian team and by the time World Cup arrives team would have sorted middle order positions.Well done Australia for winning the series #IndvsAus — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 13, 2019

The members of the India squad will now head to their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises before embarking for the 2019 World Cup to England. The tournament starts 30 May and the final will be contested on 14 July.