Pathan needs to keep the faith

“Not fair” is the verdict that that could clearly be heard throughout the city — whether it be the IPCL Cricket Stadium on the outskirts of the city, the Jama Masjid in Mandvi or even the Haji Park Road where Pathan resides.

The 22-year-old, considering his terrible lack of form, has been sent back to India and will now play the remaining two Ranji matches of the season hoping to find his lost rhythm.

Even as Pathan remained busy on Monday afternoon, his first session of practice since the return, some of the most trusted cricketing brains in the city were still finding it hard to believe that such a treatment had been meted out to him. Mehndi Shaikh, Pathan’s long-time coach, had his one-point theory to make: “If they had to send him back, it should have been after the one-day series. This is no way to deal with a cricketer struggling with his confidence. This will mentally disturb him further.”

Gujarat’s Ranji coach Ashok Mankad, who happily stood guard to ensure that Pathan bowled to his heart’s content at the nets, later said: “I am happy to have him for an important match (against Uttar Pradesh) but the way they’ve sent him back is not good, neither for him nor the team there.” Pathan, for his part, bowled five overs at the IPCL Stadium nets under the afternoon sun. He then stretched for a while, packed his bags and left — not speaking a word with anybody other than Kiran More, his friend, philosopher and guide.

The former chairman of selectors could feel the pain more than anybody else. “But it’s fine that he’s come back. He called me from South Africa and enquired about the Ranji matches. He is eager to play in the domestic circuit and find his way back. Now it is all up to him and how he achieves it,” More said.

Pathan’s home at Haji Park wore an unusual uninhabited look, even if one considered that the family was busy celebrating Eid. “It only looks like they just don’t want any visitors,” his neighbour at the Basera Duplex, Adil Merchant said.

Like Merchant, Shaikh, Mankad or anybody else, there are thousands in Vadodara who are not happy that Pathan is not with the Indian team. His magic doesn’t seem to be working anymore and unbelievable theories are making the rounds to provide solutions to it. “The day the family shifted from the Masjid, the troubles have started. But they are a very pious family, dedicated to their service here. He will shine again soon,” says Asghar Adnan, one of the many who have made the mosque their home over the decades. Irfan’s father, Mehboob Pathan was one of them.

The Pathans have got the Masjid white-washed for the festival. Mehboob Pathan has more than a reason to do so, considering the fact that he believes Allah has given him all that life needs. The old man has given his life to the place of worship and his community certainly believes that all will end well for him, some time, very soon.

For now, Irfan needs to keep the faith.