145;We may look beyond probables146;

Maybe pitch would be helpful; Gloster has said all-rounder is fit, but if Pathan fails to satisfy...

When Irfan Pathan runs in to bowl in Sunday8217;s Deodhar Trophy match at Ahmedabad, among those watching him from close quarters will not just be the three national selectors.

While Dilip Vengsarkar and his two colleagues Bhupinder Singh Sr and Ranjib Biswal will assemble at the city8217;s Motera Cricket Stadium to check Pathan out, a host of all-rounders and pacers who missed making the World Cup cut will also have their fingers crossed.

It8217;s not just those who were among the 30-member probables, but as Vengsarkar told The Indian Express, even those outside have a chance to make it to the World Cup in case Pathan fails to satisfy them. 8220;We are going to look outside the list of 30 too. Later the selection committee will decide on the final outcome,8221; Vengsarkar said.

But the chairman of national selectors said that one shouldn8217;t jump the gun right now. Vengsarkar says that it is not just about Pathan picking up wickets in the match that could see him through. 8220;We just want to determine his fitness and see that he8217;s bowling fine. How many wickets he gets will not be all that important,8217;8217; he said.

Pathan has been continuously troubled by a niggle in the shoulder that has refused to go away. While team physio John Gloster won8217;t be present in Ahmedabad during the match, his report is also expected to reach the selectors8217; table on the day the decision is taken. 8220;Watching him bowl will give us enough insight into whether he8217;s fit or not,8217;8217; the chief selector said, adding: 8220;We have not yet thought of any replacement, but if it comes to that, it will be done in consultation with captain Rahul Dravid and coach Greg Chappell,8221; Vengsarkar added.

Among the possible replacements, one big name doing the rounds in case Pathan fails to make it, is UP left-arm pacer RP Singh who, incidentally, will be representing Central Zone against West Zone in this crucial Deodhar Trophy. There is also talk that Delhi left-arm pacer Ashish Nehra too can have an outside chance to making it to the squad.

But all depends on Pathan8217;s performance on the D-Day.