All-rounder Irfan Pathan sets sights on T20 World cup

After being in oblivion for couple of seasons, all rounder Irfan Pathan is back among the wickets, swinging the ball both ways and proving a handful with the bat.

The Baroda skipper has led his team to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 final and emerged the top wicket taker with 16 scalps in nine games. He has also scored 190 runs at an average of 47.50 and strike rate of over 150.

With India struggling in limited overs cricket in recent times skipper M.S. Dhoni has often been left seeking a bowling all-rounder. Currently youngsters Hardik Pandya and Rishi Dhawan are in the mix but if they don’t impress in Australia, the selectors will be keeping close eye on the in-form Pathan ahead of the Asia Cup Twenty20 and World Twenty20.

Pathan admits an India comeback is what he is looking at but at the moment he is happy leading Baroda.

“That’s why I play cricket. That will be something nice, the way I have gone through in the last two-three seasons. It will be the happiest moment. But I am keeping my head down and trying to do what I am doing. Along the way things happen. At the moment I am pleased to lead Baroda to any final after two seasons. The guys have responded well on short notice,” he said.

After missing the initial Ranji Trophy games he had a decent first class season and in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has been out of favour for India team since August 2012 due to a dip in form and fitness issues. But now, the 31-year-old is feeling he at his best again and confident of bowling anywhere.

“The zip is up there. I really don’t believe in speed and I don’t trust the speedometer. I am able to beat batsmen with swing, that’s the win for me. When I hit batsmen on the on the pad I am in the game, that’s what my bowling is all about,” said Irfan.

“I have taken the responsibility to take wickets throughout the season. Mentally I know I am bowling at my best and can bowl in any situation. I am happy and satisfied but want to go one step further,” he added.

The 31-year-old said he had been also working on variations with the ball. “I have got control in swinging the ball both ways and am happy with my rhythm. I am in a really good frame of mind.”