Irfan Pathan feels that he was not given much opportunities after injuries

For many years, the Indian team has thrived for a fast bowling all-rounder in the side after the retirement of the legendary cricketer Kapil Dev. Though Irfan Pathan showed some glimpses of his all-around skills in his starting career but his injuries has kept him out of the Indian team for a while now. But presently with his incredible form and big-hitting abilities, Hardik Pandya seems to be the correct choice for a seam-bowling all-rounder. So it becomes a lot difficult for Irfan Pathan to make a comeback in the national team.

Pathan was the premium fast bowler in the side when he made his Test debut on the Australia tour in 2003. He also showed his all-round capabilities with the bat, but due to some injuries and dips in his form led to his ouster from the Indian team. However, he still feels that his comeback into the national colours is still not beyond reach or impossible.

Irfan feels that he didn’t get a lot of chances

It is very important to cement your spot in the side when given the proper opportunities, admitted the left arm fast bowler. But he also revealed that he didn’t get a lot of opportunities to do the same after recovering from injuries. “I would have loved to have more opportunities when I got injured after I took a five-wicket haul in my last ODI. I was out of the team not because of form but [only due to] injury. Once I got fit again, I would have loved to have a chance,” he said as quoted by the Hindu.

“There are no regrets. I like to see the brighter side. Looking back from where I come from and where I reached, I feel lucky to have played for India and been part of some glorious moments in Indian cricket,” Pathan added.

People always have a lot of expectations

He also admitted that the fans and all other people always have a certain amount of expectations. “In terms of [having the potential] and letting down [in terms of delivering], you always have excuses and international cricket is not about excuses. But I am in the top five in the world among left-arm pacers when it comes to wickets in international cricket. Talking about career going down, people expected me to take 500 international wickets. Expectations can be anything. But I think it is unfair to dismiss 300 international wickets and 3000 runs I have made,” said the Baroda cricketer.

He also talked about India’s current T20 specialist bowler Ashish Nehra and termed him as a warrior due to his fitness and wonderful skills. “He has been a wonderful warrior. He has done very well to make a comeback at this age and shows anyone can do it. I am not that old and I am working hard and my fitness is very good now. I want to improve my fielding but I am not thinking ahead of myself,” he concluded.