Irfan Pathan

February 23, 2007

Irfan Pathan is being considered by many as the successor to Kapil Dev. A talented swing bowler, Pathan possesses a lethal inswinger that nips into the right-hander, catching him plump. His ability to swing the ball both ways further perplexes the batsmen and to top it all, this youngster continues to learn new tricks everyday.

From playing gully cricket inside the mosque premises to being at the centre of attention of the blue billion,Irfan Pathanâ€™s climb to cricket stardom is the perfect story of rags to riches, the kind you see in movies, the kind that makes you believe and dare to dream, the kind of story that inspires millions in this cricket crazy nation to go and give it their all on the field. Pathan came from a poor family and cricket provided his escape route. And now, here he is, front lining the Indian pace attack, with a Grade-A BCCI contract, with many endorsement deals and able to support his family at the tender age of 22. His rise is also a salute to the age group channel in domestic cricket and the keen eye of some selectors.

Pathan rose to prominence as part of the winning team in the U-19 world cup. His kitty of 18 wickets got him the Man of the tournament award and since then, Pathan hasnâ€™t looked back. A call to the national side followed and he quickly gained a penchant for getting top wickets. Showing maturity and composure beyond his years, he led the pace attack on the crucial tour of Pakistan where he became the first bowler in test history to take a hat-trick in the first over. What made Pathan stand out was not just his swinging ability, but his aggression and exuberance, whilst keeping a mature head on his shoulders. And he was willing to go the extra mile, now starting to knock a few runs as well. Deservedly, he grabbed the ICC emerging player of the year honors in 2004.

Brimming with confidence, Pathan often added useful contributions, such as the 83 at Nagpur, and started cementing his status as all rounder. Under Chapell, he was used as an opener even. But with an improvement in batting, an indifferent 2006 with the ball followed, leading to him being dropped from the side.

Amidst all the success that has followed, Pathan still carries a soft spoken down to earth attitude about him. He is still very much a student of the game and willing to learn, to improve, because playing cricket still brings the same joy for him that it did when he had 6 hour sessions in the mosque under the burning sun. And he brings to this experienced Indian squad that desire to excel that is all too evident with him. He brings the never say die attitude that has been built in him right from the days when he had to make to with second hand equipment and still outshine the kids born with a silver spoon in their mouths.

With more than 10 half centuries already belted out from his willow, and many memorable performances with the ball, where he has run through the opposition ,experts view young Pathan as an answer to the perennial Indian problem of a genuine all-rounder.
As of now, he is back in the squad. Though his fitness remains a question mark, there are no doubts over his talent. Heâ€™s been referred to as a proven match winner by the Captain himself and former greats have shown their approval of his talents as well. Already he has 2 10 wicket hauls to his credit and an impressive test bowling average of 30. The World Cup may just be the stage for him to shine. For he is too youthful, too eager to make his mark, that he be fazed by the magnanimity of the tournament. His first outing at the grandest stage of them all may well prove another fine chapter in the fairy tale story that is Irfan Pathan.

Irfan Pathan

Read More under Cricket India

Comments