Pathan hopeful of World Cup success

Irfan Pathan claims he has rediscovered his form after playing in domestic matches and hopes to do well in the forthcoming World Cup.

Irfan Pathan claims he has rediscovered his form and rhythm after playing in domestic matches and hoped to do well in the forthcoming World Cup.

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"I played in three Ranji Trophy matches after being rested from the Indian team. I bowled 109 overs and picked 15 wickets," Pathan told PTI.

"I have got my form back, and also the rhythm. I am fully prepared now. Getting back into the Indian team is always tough. But I was mentally tough."

The Baroda left-arm seamer was sent home from the tour of South Africa after a prolonged form slump.

The 22-year old answered the selectors with a stunning performance in the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Mumbai when he picked a five-wicket haul, reducing the opponents to none for five in the course of his new ball spell, in the second innings.

That paved the way for his return to the Indian squad for the last one-dayer against the West Indies here on Jan 31, and he has been included for the first two one-dayers against Sri Lanka.

The World Cup squad is to be selected on Feb 12. Pathan had a miserable run in the previous eight one-dayers when he sent down expensive overs.

"Sometimes you do well, sometimes you miss out," he said philosophically.
He said he found the expectations on him too high to match at times.

"I took a hat-trick in a Test match but I can't take wickets in the first over everytime. Sometimes you are able to fulfil the expectations, there are times when it doesn't work," he said.

He stressed that he was yet to reach the all-rounder's status. "I am a bowler who can also bat," he said.

"Bowling is my priority. I do not think about batting," he added.