By CricketCountry Staff
All-rounder Irfan Pathan, who has claimed three five-wicket hauls in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, says the hard work he has put during the training sessions and in the middle are paying off, and he would like to carry on the good show if selected for Australia tour.
Published: Dec 02, 2011, 03:16 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 02, 2011, 03:16 PM (IST)
Irfan Pathan has played 29 Tests and 107 One-Day Internationals for India © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
New Delhi: Dec 2, 2011
All-rounder Irfan Pathan, who has claimed three five-wicket hauls in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season, says the hard work he has put during the training sessions and in the middle are paying off, and he would like to carry on the good show if selected for Australia tour.
“I’m very positive and fit, both physically and mentally. Obviously bowling a lot of overs in the nets, as well as in the middle has helped me. There is nothing better than match practice, so it feels good to be doing well in the current season. Things have started well, and I have to now keep this going,” Pathan told ESPNStar.
India discard Pathan is the frontrunner to replace Praveen Kumar for the Australia Test series starting later this month. The Board of Control for Cricket in India will name Praveen’s replacement on December 5.
Pathan says he doesn’t allow the pressure to build up on him. “Whatever level of cricket a professional plays, there will be pressure. You can either face it or get bogged down by it. Even in Ranji Trophy, there is pressure to perform. I can’t take my place for granted, just because I’ve played for India in the past.”
“All I want to do is put in the performances like I have so far, on the way if the national call-up comes, I’d be delighted, else I’m just happy playing domestic cricket and doing well. I’m controlling whatever is in my hands,” Pathan said.
Pathan has bagged 21 wickets in five innings in the Ranji Trophy with three consecutive five-wicket hauls. He is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, and thanks his coaches for the turnaround.
“I’ve worked a lot with TA Sekhar in Chennai, and he has been of immense help to me. I’d like to thank him as well as my Baroda coach. They’ve helped me fine tune my run-up and bowling. More importantly, the hard work I’ve put into my fitness and rehabilitation seems to be paying off now,” he said.
“I didn’t neglect my injury, was very positive and keen to comeback only when I am fully fit, which has helped me rediscover my form and rhythm,” Pathan added.
The left-arm seamer said he is not concentrating on the BCCI meeting to be held on December 5.
“We play in domestic cricket and hope to play at the international level and that is my dream as well. Playing for India, if it happens, I will be the happiest. But I am only concentrating on playing for Baroda and not thinking of national selection,” Irfan was quoted by India Today.
“I am bowling exactly the way I want. If I want to bowl a full ball, swing it, I am being able to. I am happy the way the ball is coming out of my hands,” he said.
