Irfan ready for new role

Irfan Pathan has rediscovered himself —-his swing is back, so is his pace but he is yet to get the new ball. The Baroda pacer is, however, ready to accept any situation that the team demands from him. “I am ready to play any role for the team,” said Pathan reiterating that he may not be able to take as many wickets as he used to earlier. “My role in the team has changed (as a bowler). I may not take as many wickets now as I used to earlier with the new ball. And I don’t need to bowl quicker than I am right now. I am touching between 130kmph and 135kmph which I think is enough for a medium pacer,” said Pathan.

The left-arm medium pacer is looking ahead to the Pakistan series now. “I will try to do well. I have been bowling and batting well now. So I hope to continue the good form against Pakistan,” said Pathan, who turned 23 year yesterday. Pathan has a very good record against Pakistan with 26 wickets from 14 ODIs, and an equal number of wickets from 9 Tests. During his last tour to Pakistan, he even took a hat-trick in a Test. So can a similar performance be expected from the bowler? “It’s how a player plays on a particular day. People will be able to see good cricket,” said Pathan.