Irfan says he's regaining confidence

The medium fast bowler says he was able to maintain his line and length and swing the ball in Uttar Pradesh's second innings.

Paceman Irfan Pathan, who played a key role with the bat in Baroda's victory over Ranji Champions Uttar Pradesh, has said he was regaining his confidence and hoped to find his lost touch in bowling soon.

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Pathan said he was satisfied with his performance and would strive hard to reclaim his bowling form in the encounter against Tamil Nadu in Chennai next week.

The medium fast bowler said he was able to maintain his line and length and swing the ball in Uttar Pradesh's second innings. Irfan also cracked an unbeaten quickfire 82 to guide his team to a comfortable win.

Irfan was sent back from South Africa midway through the tour to play in the remaining two Ranji Trophy matches for Baroda in a bid to recover from his bowling slump.

Baroda coach and former Test player Ashok Mankad said Irfan's performance would have a positive impact on him and the team. Captain Jacob Martin said he had given more overs to Irfan to help get back his rhthym and rediscover his bowling form.

Both Mankad and Martin felt that Irfan's good batting will help him in improving his bowling in the next match.