IPL 2017: Irfan Pathan believes Gujarat Lions (GL) have ‘outside chance’ to win title

Out of favour Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who is currently playing for the Suresh Raina-led Gujarat Lions (GL), in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 as a replacement for the injured Dwayne Bravo, is still optimistic regarding their chances to make it to the playoffs and winning the title. He believes that with four games to go, and with Gujarat winning them, they still have an ‘outside chance’ that could possibly see them leading to IPL glory. Gujarat are currently in the seventh spot of the IPL 2017 point table with just three wins from the 10 games they have played so far. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Delhi Daredevils (DD) vs Gujarat Lions (GL), IPL 2017, Match 42 at Delhi

“We are still left with four matches. We have an ‘outside chance’ to come close to the title, if we win all the remaining matches and maintain a good run rate. We are completely focussing on our remaining matches,” said Pathan in an exclusive interview with ANI. Speaking on his bowling, he said, “My ball was getting a continuous swing in all matches I played before this season. And because of the swing, I was also getting good number of wickets. When I was ignored in the IPL auction, I got a small break from cricket. Although I was training, my bowling was less.” IPL 2017: Have high hopes from Irfan Pathan, says Gujarat Lions (GL) Chief Executive

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“It obviously takes time to retain the rhythm when a bowler is not engaging in bowling as much as he should. The good thing is that I was ready for the challenge in the IPL match in Rajkot, despite not playing much of cricket before that. Had we won that match then the situation would have been entirely different,” he added. IPL 2017: Irfan Pathan blames injuries for ruining his career

“Hopefully, I will try to improve on my game in upcoming four matches. I have worked a lot on my fitness…I think if you want to take wickets, then the bowling should be attacking. The mindset of a bowler should always be attacking. I think this is the best way to work,” he continued.

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 coming up from June 1, Pathan also wished the Indian team for its success. “I wish the Indian team for a good performance in the Champions Trophy. I hope whoever gets selected for the tournament performs well. It is good that the players are heading into the Champions Trophy after the IPL. I am sure they will be benefitted from this and would perform in the same way they did in the last edition,” he concluded.