The youngster has so far played 112 ODIs for his team with 160 wickets and 5 fifties to his credit. After his ODI debut in January 2004 against Australia in Melbourne, the 27-year-old had been a key bowler for the Men in Blue.
However, Irfan had been struggling with his form and rhythm for quite some time before featuring for India in the CB series recently, where he took 6 important wickets while also batting well with the highest score of 47.
“I am looking ahead to the Asia Cup big time; getting the selection and the nod to represent the country is an honour. I am really looking forward with the confidence that I have gained in Australia,” remarked Irfan at getting selected in the squad.
On the back of decent performances in Australia, the 27-year-old all rounder is upbeat about his role in the ongoing Asia Cup. “An Australian tour gives you the confidence because it’s always a tough tour. The conditions there are different from those we play in at home. It’s always a challenge and a confidence booster when you do well," Said Pathan, oozing with confidence.
Since he had last toured Dhaka in 2008, it has been a long time since the youngster played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. However he is keen to adjust to the local conditions and believes that consistency is important to perform anywhere.
Irfan is indebted to India’s former bowling coach, Eric Simons, for helping him overcome the technical flaws in his bowling and regain rhythm as well as confidence. Eric also happens to be the head coach of Pathan’s IPL team, Delhi Daredevils.
Irfan still has time to recover and reclaim the quintessential place he once commanded in the Indian team.
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