Irfan Pathan - A Delivering Struggler and True Gentleman

He is not a very big star. Never a Hi-Fi, stylish, and modern, out-going kind of late night party animal. Even does not have a wonderful, exemplary kind of a career, not even remained there on the scene regularly anymore, but yet he is liked by all, from the legend Sachin Tendulkar to the newly inducted Umesh Yadav. He is the most submissive born struggler, and off course my favorite – Irfan Pathan.

Shashi Tharoor has rightly termed him as one of the lost boys of Indian cricket. During his career spanning to more than 13 years, there are a lot of stats available but the kind of rare personal submissive qualities he possess, have impressed most of the viewers. There is no dearth of his hard work, commitment and the obsession for the game but it’s been sheer hard luck (more so for the millions of fans). Apart from this, Irfan Pathan has always been the victim of injuries. Greg Chappell, the former coach was the one who really recognized his talent.

For the record, Pathan is a left handed bowler from Baroda, western India. He is 24. He was selected for Team India in 2003, after Zaheer Khan suffered an injury. Pathan remained in the squad till2006, and thereafter was out of the team on account of not performing up to the mark. He kept coming in and going out till recently, but has not been able to maintain consistency. He plays for Delhi Daredevils in IPL. He has got good number of wickets in t-20. He is ranked 8th in the overall list of bowlers. After becoming a member of Indian Team, he had developed himself from left arm fast medium swing bowler, into a bowling all-rounder and reached 2nd spot in ICC ODI ranking for all-rounders .He was also listed in one of the top 5 all-rounders in Test Ranking .He is the only privileged Indian bowler having a Test Hat-Trick in the first over of the match. One can assume the potential Pathan is hiding within.

However he was dropped due to declining form in 2006 but was able to come back in 2007 in the first ever match of World t20.Though he was able to get a berth in ODI squad, but only for a period of one year and thereafter again lost his seat for having high Economy Rate and also because of unwarranted injuries. Since then he is not able to regain the form and kept coming in and going out . He played his last ODI in August 2012 and last t20 in October 2012.He is also a member of the squad currently playing in Champions Trophy in England.

Though Pathan does not belong to affluent privileged class, but this was his unparalleled rigorous practice and strong will power that he, along with his eider brother, rose to such a position that the family, friends and millions of supporters felt proud of his achievements.

When it comes to conclusion of a write up about a capable versatile but somewhat unlucky unsung hero, it becomes impossible to hide your feelings for a deserving young kid. Hoping to see him rising again.