VVS Laxman Praises Irfan Pathan For Inspiring Him
Jun 13, 2020 at 4:46 PM
Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman now praised the former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan for maintaining his passion for cricket despite facing many challenges during his career.
The 45-year-old VVS Laxman, who served for the Indian team between 1996 and 2012 and played 220 international matches (134 Tests and 86 ODIs), has now come with an initiative to pay tribute to teammates who influenced him immensely.
On Saturday (13th June), Laxman named Irfan Pathan as his inspiration. He praised his passion for the game, even facing many tough journeys and inspiring others even during his late domestic career.
Laxman posted on his official Twitter account, “Despite grappling with his fair share of challenges, @IrfanPathan retained his fierce passion for the sport. Along the way, he embraced the role of an inspirational mentor-cum-coach when still an active first-class player, willingly sharing his wisdom and experience.”
Later, Irfan sent the thank you message to his senior cricketer.
The 35-year-old former Indian cricketer Irfan replied, “Thank you, Irfan bhai.it was an absolute privilege to have shared dressing with you and now our friendship.”
Thank you https://t.co/zmE4o2HzFs was absolute privilage to have shared dressing with you n now our friendship
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 13, 2020
Irfan Pathan and VVS Laxman played together in 54 international matches
The left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan made his international debut in 2003 at the age of just 19-year-old and impressed everyone with his incredible swing bowling skills. Later, he developed his left-handed batting skills and evolved as a useful all-rounder.
Though Irfan played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is till 2012, he could have played more international matches if the time went in his favour. Irfan played a crucial role during MS Dhoni-led India’s victory in the ICC World T20 2007 as he won the Player of the Match award during the final of that tournament against Pakistan. However, he never experienced a Cricket World Cup match.
In the international career, Irfan and Laxman played together in 54 matches, 27 Tests and 27 ODIs.
In early this year, Irfan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Then he served for Sachin Tendulkar-led India Legends in the Road Safety World Series 2020, which was postponed in the middle of that tournament due to the coronavirus pandemic.