Not Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma - Irfan Pathan names the player who wanted him out of IPL commentary

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has addressed speculation about his removal from the IPL 2025 broadcast team, revealing that it was Hardik Pandya, not Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, who had concerns about his on-air criticism. Speaking in an interview with The Lallantop, Pathan clarified the situation and discussed his past support for Pandya while defending his role as a broadcaster.Pathan explained his approach to cricket commentary and the necessity of constructive criticism in broadcasting."If I'm criticising you in 7 matches out of 14, I'm still being lenient. That is our job as broadcaster," Pathan stated in the interview.The former cricketer emphasized that there was no personal animosity between him and Pandya, highlighting his history of supporting cricketers from Baroda."There is no rivalry. All the Baroda players who have come after me — Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya or Hardik Pandya — none of them can say that Irfan-Yusuf did not help them," Pathan shared.Pathan recalled a significant incident from 2012 when he had recommended a young Hardik Pandya to Sunrisers Hyderabad, demonstrating his early recognition of Pandya's potential.He revealed that VVS Laxman later acknowledged missing an opportunity by not following his recommendation. "VVS Laxman admitted on Star Sports, that he was at fault for not listening to me, and not picking Hardik in 2012. If he had picked him then, Hardik would have played for Hyderabad," Pathan disclosed.The former all-rounder also mentioned his support for Pandya during challenging times, particularly when the player faced backlash from Mumbai Indians fans following Rohit Sharma's removal from captaincy before IPL 2024.Pathan defended his stance on cricket criticism while maintaining that it should remain professional and not personal."There is nothing wrong in criticising the player, if you play, you have to go through that. It happened with Sunil Gavaskar, the great Sachin Tendulkar… they never made anyone feel, they were bigger than the game. But I'm against the derogatory words used against Pandya," he explained.Pathan's comments shed light on the complex relationship between cricket broadcasters and players, highlighting the balance between professional criticism and personal respect in sports commentary.The revelation about his removal from the IPL broadcast team and the subsequent clarification provides insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of cricket broadcasting and player relationships.