On returning to domestic cricket after a layoff, Baroda all-rounder Irfan Pathan claimed six for 47 even as Gujarat piled on runs in the ongoing sixth round of Ranji Trophy match. “Getting six wickets on comeback for anyone is really helpful in terms of confidence and getting into the flow. It feels good,” Pathan told bcci.tv after the day’s play.
Leading the attack, the 31-year old bowled a miserly spell even as the Priyank Panchal-led lineup piled on runs. He finished the innings with figures of 25.2-12-47-6.
Speaking about the match left-arm pacer said “Obviously taking wickets is always very helpful in gaining confidence. I am happy about the way I bowled in my comeback match because the ball was coming out right from my hand, specially swinging both ways that really helped in that game and gave me confidence.”
Discussing his wickets, Irfan explained, “The first wicket was really special for me in this game because the ball was really old and the batsmen were really set. I got Smit Patel out on 57 (with the opening stand on 119). I had set him up nicely. I thought it was important on a slow track to set the batsman up and I used my experience to do that. I set him up by away going deliveries and then after second or third over bowled the incoming delivery which trapped him in front of the wicket that was very satisfying wicket. The other wickets came well, as well.
Most of the wickets came with the old ball and why it is satisfying to take wickets with the old ball because the ball was really soft and there was no reverse swing because of the ground. The ground is pretty lush and the wicket is extremely slow. It’s very satisfying when you get wickets with the old ball when there is no reverse swing and only conventional swing and the ball is old and soft. Out of six I got three were lbws which always tells me I am on the right track. That’s my forte where I get lot of lbws one was in the slip one was caught behind so out of six five were on good balls and which is satisfying.”
Speaking about his preparations Irfan said, “I was working and bowling a lot in the nets. I was trying to train myself before I got the opportunity to play in this game. The good thing was, I got a lot of time to prepare myself which was really good. Luckily I was fit for a very long time before coming into the game and doing my preparations which really helped me.”
Irfan has 338 first-class wickets to his credit ahead of the match with a best of seven for 35 since his debut in 2000/01. The left-arm pacer will be looking to make an impact as Baroda, who are currently holding the No 6 position in Group B strive to move up in the points table.
