Sreesanth’s comeback story inspires Irfan

November 30, 2009 04:32 pm | Updated November 16, 2021 09:30 am IST - New Delhi

Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan

Out-of-favour seamer Irfan Pathan finds inspiration in S Sreesanth’s spectacular return to international cricket and believes he too can claw his way back to the Indian team with some solid performance in domestic cricket.

Back in action for the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Irfan said he would leave no stone unturned in his efforts to impress the selectors and stage a comeback like Sreesanth did.

“Sreesanth has made an excellent comeback. He was doing well in domestic matches earlier and after returning to the India team, he put up a performance, which is quite inspirational. I want to make a comeback like him,” Irfan said.

“I met him before Ranji match; I am impressed with his body language also. This kind of comeback strengthens the belief that you can also do it in same manner by improving your performance,” said the left-arm seamer.

Back from a 19-month hiatus, Sreesanth was instrumental in India’s 144-run victory in the second Test, where his five-wicket haul in the first innings forced the Lankans to follow-on in Kanpur.

Irfan said every domestic match has become of immense importance for him and it would take a string of good performance to make a comeback.

“Every cricketer has to improve to cement his place in the national team. I am trying to give my best in every domestic match and hope it will get the attention of selectors,” said Irfan.

Irfan played his last Test match against South Africa in Ahmedabad last year, while his last ODI appearance came against Sri Lanka when India toured the island nation earlier this year.

Irfan said he was free of niggles and was in good nick with the bat.

“I am totally fit now and bowling long spells. I have also cracked a half-century recently. It would be better had I been in India team in this series. But it’s nice to see India claiming its 100th Test victory,” he said.

Irfan also feels that their next Ranji Trophy Super League match against Group B leader Karnataka is going to be a tough encounter.

“It is going to be a very important match for us. They are the group leader and playing well, but we are also ready to take them on at our home ground,” Irfan said.

On the incident in which four Baroda bowlers, including Salim Veragi, Rajesh Pawar and Sankalp Vohra were called up for suspect actions, Irfan said, “This is a new system introduced by the BCCI and the umpires are only following the rules. They cannot do much about it.”

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