“I consider myself a bowling all rounder and am working on my bowling and my batting. I hope to get into the one day team soon and make a break into the test team as well,” says Irfan Pathan.
In the city for the launch of a Reebok Crossfit fitness centre, Pathan talked about his career and future plans. “Every international cricketer wants to play test cricket. It is the ultimate test of strength and your calibre as a player. I want to be part of the Indian test team. I have been training hard and keeping myself fit. It is important to be fit.”
He adds, “I have used the injury layoff to bring about some improvements in my batting and bowling. I cannot explain it, but hope that the changes will be seen in the manner I bat and bowl in the next tournament.”
Talking about the pressures that cricketers face in the modern era, he quips, “Cricket has become more hectic in the past few years. We play more matches every year and it takes a toll on the body. It is one of the main reasons many young talented cricketers are unable to play for a long time. The sport has become more professional and It is a good thing.”
On his best memories from his international career, Pathan picks his debut series against Australia and the superb hat-trick against Pakistan at Lahore as his career highlights.
“Winning the World T20 was also a superb feeling. I was the man of the match for the final and was making a comeback after a long time. It was one of the best moments of my career this far.”
Pathan dispels notions that teams across the world have begun to perform well at home, while faltering abroad. “I do not think there is a trend, though certain teams may be facing some issues. Winning matches away from home is tough. I think that this phase, of teams not doing well abroad is a mere aberration.” Any advice for the present crop of Indian pace bowlers? “Keeping fit is very important. Pace bowling entails the body undergoing a great deal of wear and tear. They must train enough to ensure that they bowl well and do not lose out to injuries.”
