Greg Chappell didn’t ruin my career: Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan joined the struggling Gujarat Lions squad mid-way in the tenth edition of the IPL. He replaces the injured all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, who was ruled out of the tournament as he failed to recover from a hamstring injury.

Pathan did not attract any buyers at the IPL auctions in February. Getting to play some part in the mega-tournament must have pleased the 32-year-old allrounder. He might get a game tomorrow, as talks of his inclusion against RCB on Thursday are doing the rounds.

The Baroda boy made his debut for India in 2003 but has won just 29 Test caps 14 years on. He has fared better in the ODI format picking 173 wickets from 120 games. The left-hander has made 1544 runs too as he was time and again thought of a genuine all-rounder.

Pathan picked up a 5-wicket haul in his last ODI but was never picked again as his career was swamped by injuries. His decline in form during the mid 2000’s coincided with Greg Chappell’s coaching tenure. The Australian was widely held responsible for tweaking with his technique which led to his downfall.

Speaking ahead of the tie against RCB, Pathan denied these claims. “Nothing of that sort happened. I know a lot of people said Greg Chappell ruined my career which is not true. No one can ruin anyone’s career. What you need to do, you need to do. You alone are responsible for what you do,” he said.

“When I was dropped from the team I was unfortunately injured. After that making a comeback was a bit difficult. I don’t blame anyone,” Irfan said.

He, though, was delighted to be back playing in the IPL which will give him another opportunity to play in front of huge crowds. He also admitted that he was disappointed on being unsold in the auction.

“It is wonderful to be here. Yes, but it is disappointing when you not get picked, initially. If you get picked even if you are in the middle or fag end of the tournament you feel good, hopefully I will get the opportunity and do well,” he said.

Pathan previously has played for Kings XI Punjab, the now defunct Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rising Pune Supergiant.

During his time with the Daredevils, he worked with TA Sekhar and Pathan spoke of his experience. “When I was working with TA Shekhar – that time I had a back problem. So, I changed my action, and that actually put less pressure on my back,”

“Now I have gone back to my own action and hopefully the swing is coming out of the hand very nicely. I will improve by playing more matches,” he said.

In his Test debut at the Adelaide, a young left-arm seamer then Irfan impressed many with the swing he generated to dismiss Australian greats Steve Waugh and Adam Gilchrist. After seeing his ability with the bat, many compared him to Kapil Dev for having a similar all-round ability.

Pathan said that the 1983 World Cup winning captain was in a different league altogether.

“Kapil Dev has been in a different league altogether when it comes to allrounders. I don’t know anyone can fill his shoes. People have compared me to him, but it did not affect me. But as a youngster you like comparison, which gives you confidence to do better,” he said.

It will be interesting to see how Pathan fares in IPL 2017. With Gujarat struggling, he will definitely get his chances.