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I Don’t Need to Prove Anything, Says Pathan

Just like any other growing cricketer he too is eagerly looking forward for the Indian Premier League where Pathan wants to prove his critics wrong through his performance. “The IPL is a big stage for me. It’s very important and very crucial and I just want to make sure and show people what I’m capable of,” he said.

“I don’t need to prove anyone since I have done enough for my country for the last six years and in the domestic circuit. Lot of things have been spoken about me in India about my injuries and my form, but I just want to play and prove my worth,” the Baroda pacer, said.

Pathan, who had won the Man of the Match award in the final of India’s T20 World Cup win in 2007, carried a back injury which is presumed to be the reason for the selectors to ignore him. But Pathan, playing for the Kings XI Punjab, is hopeful to be completely fit for the IPL. “I have been working hard on my fitness especially doing work outs that would help my back. Thankfully, I had no surgeries and I have been following the exercises that my physio has asked me to do.”

Pathan said that it was everybody’s dream to play for the country and he was not worried about being dropped.

His immediate goal is to keep performing and get back to the national side. “Everyone wants to play for the country. When we play there are times when we get dropped. I take it in my stride and carry on.

“It sometimes makes you feel bad that despite your performance your are not there. But thankfully age is on my side. I still am 25 and I’m pretty hopeful that a lot more opportunities will come up in the future.

He bowled well in the Duleep Trophy final recently to claim a five-wicket haul but missed the Vijay Hazare Trophy following the back spasm.

“Last year was tough for me. I was out of the team and even injured. But that’s part of any sports person. I’m hopeful. I had a good domestic season with some good performances despite not playing international cricket.”

“For now, I want to play all the matches in IPL and do really well and make sure my team does well, everything else will fall in place. The entire world watches this even so this will be a great opportunity for me,” the 25-year-old said.

Though Pathan said he enjoyed playing the shorter version of the game, playing Test cricket was something he always cherished. “I love to play Test cricket as much as possible. I also enjoy the shorter version, but when it comes to Test cricket it’s a complete personal satisfaction.

“You get to become a better cricketer when you play the four or the five day format. You get to bowl lot of long spells and that improves your game.

“The shorter version is fun and entertainment. I understand it also needs skills but I’m happy to play anything as long as it is cricket.”

Praising his brother Yusuf Pathan, who has been named in the 30-man squad, he said: “I feel proud of my brother that he is in the team. I would love to play with my brother and play together for the country for a long time.”