"He seems to be at his peak" - Irfan Pathan's massive statement on Team India star after IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Rohit Sharma is at the peak of his powers, given the way he has been playing recently. Pathan's remark came after the former Indian skipper's explosive half-century in the first of the three ODIs against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.

Rohit, who was recently replaced as India's 50-over captain by Shubman Gill, struggled in the first ODI against Australia last month. But his scores have been 73, 121*, and 57 ever since. On Sunday, the right-hander hammered 57 off only 51 deliveries and stitched a 136-run partnership with Virat Kohli (135) to set the tone for India's total of 349.

Speaking in a recent video on his YouTube channel 'Irfan Pathan,' the 41-year-old said Rohit barely looks 38, given his fitness level, and is thrilled to see both Kohli and Rohit progressing the way they are. Pathan said:

"As for Rohit Sharma, he seems to be at his peak. It doesn’t look like he is 38, he has improved his fitness. But the way he is playing according to the conditions and batting flawlessly, the half-century only shows with what mindset he is moving forward. It feels extremely good seeing how these two players are progressing. Rohit was dropped once off Nandre Burger’s bowling but he batted exceptionally – whether it be playing on the up or pull shot."

The first ODI in Ranchi also saw the former Indian captain become the highest six-hitter in the format, surpassing Shahid Afridi's tally of 351.

"He is ready to bat at any spot" - Irfan Pathan lauds KL Rahul's measured knock against South Africa

With stand-in captain KL Rahul scoring 60 off 56 balls in the series-opener, Irfan Pathan opined that someone batting at No. 6 will not find it easy due to the rule change. Nevertheless, the cricketer-turned-commentator believes the hosts were benefited by the presence of Rahul, who has a compact technique.

"When you bat at No.6, it’s not easy, especially due to the change in rules. After the 34th over, you choose a ball that is slightly older to continue, so you don’t get a ball that is 25 overs older and you get a much older ball. It is a lot softer and it is beneficial to have a batter with a strong technique," Pathan said.

"This is KL Rahul’s mindset, he is ready to bat at any spot. He started slightly slowly and sometimes the match can get out of the hand, so it will be a challenge to get off the blocks quickly. But he played an exceptional knock," he added.

Kohli collected the Player of the Match award for his 135-run knock, as India emerged triumphant by 17 runs.