Sports India

Irfan Pathan’s less than satisfactory performance in the West Indies had led to speculation that his place in the team for Sri Lanka was in doubt.

But with the selectors having hinted that there would not be any “wholesale” changes in the team, the Baroda pacer looks a likely prospect for Colombo.

Pathan confidence hit an all time low after just six wickets from four one-day matches in the West Indies. That led to Pathan playing just one test in the Caribbean and watching the rest from the sidelines.

A long way from being dubbed a Wasim Akram clone to becoming team India’s 5th choice bowler. That has also led to questions being asked about his place in the team for next month’s tri-series in Sri Lanka, but the experts feel its just a matter of time.

“He’s a fabulous cricketer. He’s just 21-22 and got a mature head on his shoulders, so its only a matter of his body. I think as soon as he gets back into the rhythm and his body feels fitter, he’ll be bowling better,” said Ajay Jadeja, former Indian cricketer.

“He’s been batting exceptionally well for a middle order batsman, batting well for a bowler. It’s only his bowling that was struggling and that’s why he was sitting out in West Indies. By the time he gets back to Sri Lanka, I am sure he will be back into rhythm,” Jadeja added.

High expectations

It is a rhythm that has dipped, a speed that has diminished, and a threat that seems to have lessened. Pathan himself said before leaving for the West Indies tour that it was the result of a high level of expectation.

“People say I can’t bowl fast. What all will Irfan Pathan do, he will swing the ball; get the breakthrough in the first two overs. Irfan Pathan will bat also, Irfan Pathan will field also, and Irfan Pathan will bowl fast also,” said Pathan before leaving for West Indies.

The selectors who meet on Thursday to select the Indian team for the tri-series in Sri Lanka might want to have a look at the statistics though.

Pathan has been the most successful bowler for India in the last 20 ODIs with 38 wickets to his credit. Ajit Agarkar follows with 25 wickets, with Zaheer Khan and Munaf Patel bringing up the tail.

“This situation of Pathan’s confidence being low should not arise at all. Sometimes he is sent to bat at number four, sometimes at six. His concentration is shifting from bowling to batting,” said Anshuman Gaekwad, Former India player and coach.

Even though many believe that his improved batting has cost him his bowling form, its his all round capabilities that give him the edge.

Pathan is in fact in 5th place in the ICC rankings for all rounders. Whether it’s enough to buy him a ticket to Colombo will only be known by Thursday afternoon.