Irfan Pathan crowned his comeback to international cricket by playing a crucial role in India’s title triumph in the World Twenty20 World Cup at the Wanderers.
The 22-year-old hardly got to bat, but played a wonderful hand with the ball which, more than anything, would have pleased him the most, because it was his poor bowling form that pushed him out of the national team.
In 22 overs in the competition, Pathan took 10 wickets for 149, conceding runs at a more than acceptable economy rate of 6.77 throughout the tournament and winning the Player of the Final award for figures of three for 16 in four overs. “I am very happy,” the Baroda all-rounder said, stating the obvious. “It has been a great day overall.”
Pathan was also thrilled that his brother Yusuf was also part of the momentous occasion. “I am happy that we won the World Twenty20, and I am delighted that my brother made his debut as well. We are playing together after a long time, I don’t even remember the last occasion,” he said
It had not been a happy time for the left-hander lately but his role in India’s title run here would have erased some bitter memories.
“To get those crucial wickets, including two in one over (Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi) was very satisfying. I bowled well throughout the tournament. The last six months have been tough. It was a learning period, and it will help me a lot in the future.”
Pathan had returned from South Africa midway through the Test series.
“The last year has been very difficult. I have worked really hard in the last six months. Not too many people were there for me, not too many were around to help me out in that phase, and I am grateful to all those who stood by me,” he said. The tough times will help him become a better person and cricketer, he felt.
“Being dropped from the team and making a comeback has come early in my career. I am only 22, and I have seen more than most people would have in a lifetime as a player. I have come out of it now, and that will help me go a long way,” Pathan added.
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