Pathan puzzled, unsure of future
NEWDELHI: My main aim is limitedovers cricket. I want to play fourday cricket as it makes you keep going and helps you get your rhythm.
IRFAN PATHAN, on his way ahead
Oncetoutedasthenext big thing in Indian cricket, Irfan Pathaniscurrentlylostandquite unsureabouthisfuture.Justtwo matches into the 2017-18 Ranji Trophyseason,theleft-armpacer was left humiliated after he was not just stripped of his captaincy butalsodroppedfromtheBaroda team.
BarodalosttheirRanjiTrophy opener to Madhya Pradesh, following it up with a draw against Andhra. Pathan was then dropped for the November1-4 Group C game against Tripura.
“I ampuzzled! This is happening for the last three years. I am trying to find an answer within myself without asking anyone. I am not the kind of guy who will runaroundtoaskwhat’swrong,” Pathan,33,toldHindustanTimes.
“(If my) performance is not there, noissues. ButIjust scored 80 runs batting at No.6, got wickets. The ball is coming out really well,Iamfit,thenwhydropme?”
Pathan, who has played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20s for India, scored 80 and 4 against Madhya Pradesh and 0 and 4 againstAndhra.Healsotooktwo wicketsintotalinthetwogames.
FOULPLAY?
“They (Baroda Cricket Association) evenhadabigpressconference and said I am the team’s mentor and captain for the season and that I will help develop the players. Thingscan’t change sosuddenlyafterjusttwogames, can it? This can’t be a cricketing issue,”allegedPathan,whonowadaysisoccupiedwithanewventure -- Cricket Academy of Pathans, which he has started with his brother Yusuf Pathan.
“They asked me to help the team grow. I want to build the teamwellsothatifIgointhenext 2-3 years, there shouldn’t be a lacuna. That is what I was doing over the last one-and-a-half months, mentoring each and every player.”
According to reports, there were disagreements between PathanandtheBarodaselectors beforetheTripuragameoverthe selection of a player.
It has been five years since Pathanlast played for India. The all-roundersaidthatifhedoesn’t get opportunities at domestic level,hewon’tbeabletoshowhis abilities. “It is important to play domestic cricket and perform really well. If thereis noopportunity in domestic cricket and if these things keep happening, I wonder what is going to happen. I havealwaysfought onthefield. It was going fine whether it was my bowling or fitness, but right now the situation does not look good,” said the southpaw.
“However, I know this is not theend.Althoughmymainaimis limited-overs cricket, I want to play four-day cricket as it makes you keep going and help you get your rhythm.”