Published: Apr 26, 2017, 08:32 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 26, 2017, 08:32 PM (IST)
Irfan Pathan, who had remained unsold during the IPL 2017 auctions, received a surprise call up from the Gujarat Lions (GL) when their pacer Dwayne Bravo was declared unfit to play the remainder of the tournament. Pathan, who last played for Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016 (now Rising Pune Supergiant) were criticised for under utilising one of India’s famous all-rounders. Pathan entered the IPL 2017 auction at a base price of INR 50 lakhs, but he was one of the players who were unexpectedly not selected. An excited Pathan is now confident of a better show for GL after a decent domestic season. GL, who have had a forgettable tournament so far, would expect Pathan to provide them much-needed boost with both bat and the ball. Full Cricket Scorecard, Rising Pune Supergiant vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2017, Match 30
Speaking to sportsstar.com, Pathan was upset on being unselected for IPL 10. However, he was elated to have finally found a way to participate in the tournament, “I heard from the Gujarat franchise on Sunday evening, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.” On Monday, Pathan had taken to his Twitter account to confirm his participation. However, the tweet was soon removed as the contract was signed only on Tuesday. Pathan, who donned the RPS franchise colours last year, will be soon seen playing for the Lions. He said, “I am confident. I have had a good domestic season, and I am looking forward to delivering the goods. All I need is a good start.”
Talking about his role in GL, Pathan added, “We have a good side. My job is to contribute to the team’s success. This is going to be an important season for me, and I am ready for the challenge. I need to be ready for everything. I come with an open mind. Things can change quickly. You have to get going.”
Pathan comes with vast experience in IPL. He has played for five franchises and has bagged 80 wickets in 102 games. Pathan has also amassed 1,137 runs. Pathan might not have had the greatest of the outing with RPS scoring just 11 runs in a mere 3 matches, however, he signed off what will be his game plan for the upcoming matches, “In IPL, every game matters. I will take one game at a time. That’s the whole idea.”
