5 best moments of Irfan Pathan's International career

From a kid who grew up in an impoverished family in a mosque in Vadodara to becoming one of the finest talents Indian cricket has witnessed, Irfan Pathan has come a fairly long way. He is now a happy husband and father, but somewhere down the line, he’s vexed with a fact that he couldn’t contribute significantly to Indian cricket in the last 5-6 years.

Nevertheless, not a lot of fans can forget a curly-haired youngster running towards the crease and bending the ball like Beckham. It didn’t take long for Irfan to establish himself as the successor to the immortal Kapil Dev and with over 300 International wickets and over 2,800 International runs, he did have his say in the gentleman’s game.

One thing that has always been impressive about Pathan is the very reason he has earned so much respect. He was always a big match player, who could soak in all the pressure in a high-magnitude game and deliver the goods for the side. During his illustrious and eventful International career, the left-hander had some unforgettable moments which would live fresh in the memory of many for an eternity.

As the all-rounder from Baroda turns 34 today, there cannot be a more auspicious occasion to look back at his best moments in International cricket.

5. A gobsmacking in-swinger to Gilchrist

For a teenage sensation who made his way to the Indian side for the Test series against the mighty Aussies, to have made an instant impact was something absolutely astounding. He received his International cap in the 2003/04 series against Ricky Ponting’s ruthless army and it didn’t take long to showcase what he possessed.

In the fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a Test famously remembered for Sachin Tendulkar‘s unbeaten effort of 241, India had registered a total in excess of 700 for the first time in their Test history. The stage was set for the bowlers to pull off something brilliant and they almost registered a sensational series win in Steve Waugh’s farewell game.

Coming to the birthday boy’s moment, towards the fag end of the 3rd day, the Australian batsmen Adam Gilchrist and Simon Katich were trying their best to weather the bowling storm in the final few overs. But then, the unthinkable happened as Gilchrist’s stumps went for a toss with an absolute beauty from Pathan. The ball curled in the air and blocked the southpaw, giving him no chance to get a bat on it.

Here’s the video of that sensational delivery

SATURDAY SEED

There wasn't much Adam Gilchrist could do about this ripper from Irfan Pathan! pic.twitter.com/Ih2tkFfZ4l

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 23, 2018