Irfan Pathan eyes an India comeback; focus on Ranji season

Irfan Pathan

Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan is determined to press for a recall into the national team in near future by making good use of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Irfan last featured for India during the 2012 World T20 in Sri Lanka, but since then, he has found himself out of the reckoning due to a spate of injuries.

He had made a comeback last year and was part of the squad for India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign which would have given him huge confidence, but soon after the tournamentm, he was sidelined for a lengthy spell once again due to a rib injury. It’s been a long road back for Irfan, but he is fully fit now and will be keen to show the national selectors that he has still got what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

"Irfan will return very soon. For that my focus is on the forthcoming Ranji matches," the 29-year old said. "I will play all the Ranji Trophy matches and if you play four-day cricket, it would be easier to play one-day cricket.

"Before or after the World Cup, I am sure that I will soon be playing for team India."

The left-armer’s return is not just good news for India but also Baroda, whom he represents in domestic cricket. "I am very excited about Ranji Trophy matches. I will contribute towards bowling and batting as well. The experience that I have gained in so many years is an advantage. I will use that advantage and try my best to make a comeback," he said.

Irfan, who would’ve been handy for India as a bowling all-rounder in the recently concluded Test series against England, was hopeful that the current team could redeem itself in the one-day series in England after a disappointing performance in the Test matches. "It will not be proper to comment about it, but seeing the performance during the last one-day game, I hope the team will continue to perform like this."

Irfan also gave his backing to the out-of-form Virat Kohli and said that these experiences will stand Kohli in good stead in the future. "I think Virat will definitely get his form back. He is an excellent and confident player. Neither we nor his fans should bother about Virat's performance during a particular season. I am very confident that what has been happening to him will make him a better player," he signed off.