Watch: Why Sunil Gavaskar refuses to accept Irfan Pathan's apology

NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder

Irfan Pathan

garnered praise from the legendary

Sunil Gavaskar

for his cricket acumen during the analysis of

KL Rahul

's stellar innings of 101 in the first innings of the initial Test against South Africa.
Pathan commended Rahul's performance, emphasizing his technique and batting style. Upon realising that his analysis is getting longer, Pathan extended an apology saying 'Sir sorry' to the living legend Gavaskar.

However, the former India captain stated that he wouldn't accept the apology, expressing the view that Irfan was providing an excellent analysis of Rahul's technique.

Gavaskar graciously acknowledged that he also gained new insights and complemented Pathan for being a true student of the game.
"Inhone mujhe sorry bola lekin main accept nahi karunga, (Even though he apologized, I will not accept)," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Irfan also posted the video on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) with a heartfelt caption.

"Gratitude fills me today, and it's not just any day-thanks to Sunny sir for the uplifting compliment. Truly made my year. Grateful," the caption read.
India suffered an embarrassing innings and 32 run loss to a far superior South Africa in the opening Test which ended inside three days in Centurion.
Having scored 245 in the first innings, the Indian batters managed only 131 in 34.1 overs in the second innings after South Africa managed a handsome 408 in its first essay.

South Africa thus took an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series and India's dreams of winning a

Test series

in Rainbow Nation for the first time in 31 years lay in tatters.