Out of favour India fast-bowler Irfan Pathan has said he is happy to take wickets against North Zone during the Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The Baroda bowler, who last played for India in 2012, bowled a brilliant spell in the Mushtaq Ali T20 Inter Zonal league on Monday (February 13) to help West Zone thrash a star-studded North Zone by eight wickets. The left-arm pacer dismissed Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant and Yuvraj Singh cheaply to return with the figures of 3/10 in his allotted four overs.
“It is very important to get wickets under your belt. The whole season I felt I was bowling well but it’s good to get a bunch of wickets at a time when it’s being shown on TV, people are watching, selectors are watching and you are bowling well as well. It is crucial to get your confidence going,” he said.
“Eventually no matter of how well you bowl, how many wickets you take counts more. It’s been a good day in that sense. I am happy with the way the ball swung as well,” he added.
Despite being over 30, the fast-bowler is still harbouring the hopes of donning the Indian jersey again.
“Yes, you could say that at a time where I am but still a lot of people are playing till 44. I am just 31-32, so it should be how fit you are and what you can do at that time.
“I have been playing cricket for 15 years. When you are playing for so long, a lot of people tend to focus on one-day and T20s more. I have played the whole Ranji season, so for me, if you play Ranji Trophy the whole season, that is very crucial to stay fit and to get your rhythm as well,” he said.
Irfan, who is the only Indian pacer to take a hat-trick in Tests, sounded hurt at being tagged an IPL-only player.
“It is definitely unfair. If you look at the recent past, it’s happened only once four years ago when I genuinely missed out on a domestic season due to injuries. It can happen to anyone. When you are playing for so long, injuries are bound to happen to anyone.
“Ever since whatever issue I had with Baroda CA was settled, I have played the whole season. One-dayers, T20, Ranji Trophy and the T20 tournament, I have played everything and have bowled a lot of overs as well. Even then, if they club me along with IPL to IPL players, it’s unfortunate. They should be careful,” he concluded.