Irfan Pathan believes his rough patch is only temporary and he will be back to his best sooner than later.
The left-arm paceman could take only six wickets at the cost of 177 runs in the five one-dayers and returned a modest two for 93 in the only Test he played at St. Lucia during the recent tour of West Indies.
"Bad performance in a few matches cannot be taken as a failure. Bad phase is part of any sport and I am very confident about improving my performance and doing well in future matches," Pathan said on his return from the Caribbean.
The Baroda player has come a full circle in a short time as he went from being an established all-rounder at the start of the season to being dropped for three Tests in the West Indies.
Pathan said the only way to recapture his form would be to go back to the basics.
Pathan's omission from the Tests was a subject of debate by former cricketers who also criticised the team management's tendency to promote him up the batting order frequently.
The player himself reiterated his full faith in the team management, though. "I played the role asked by the team management and batted at number three when asked," he said.
{{/usCountry}}The player himself reiterated his full faith in the team management, though. "I played the role asked by the team management and batted at number three when asked," he said.
{{/usCountry}}"I will do what coach Chappell wants me to do."
Pathan said he was looking forward to the triangular series in Sri Lanka in August, which also involves South Africa, and the following five-match ODI series against the West Indies in Canada.
"I am gearing up for them. I will attend the camp of the Cricket Board where I will do what the coach asks me to do."