Chennai: It’s been almost four years since Irfan Pathan last donned the India jersey in a T20 match, but the all-rounder still believes that a national comeback is not a pipedream for him as there is room for a left-arm pacer in the side.
“I am just 31 and have a long way to go. In the next 5-6 years, anything can happen,” said Irfan who was in Chennai to promote the TNPL. The Baroda left-arm pacer said the upcoming season would be pivotal for his return to the national side. “I have done a lot of power training ahead of this season. I am fully ready. If my body is good, I am sure my bowling is going to get better and better. Last year, I was the highest wicket taker (16) in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. If I perform consistently, there no reason why I can’t make a comeback,” said Irfan.
Irfan, plagued by injuries, never really made a strong case for his national return in the last few years though he was sought-after in the IPL. “Whenever people talk negatively about my career, I feel they are disrespecting my 301 international wickets. They shouldn’t do that. People come up with suggestions that I should have just concentrated on bowling. It just happened that my bowling made an impact at international level before batting,” added Irfan.
