My second innings is God's gift: Irfan Pathan

Kolkata, April 3 (IANS) Back into top flight cricket after being sidelined for two years with a back injury, Indian pacer Irfan Pathan considers his second innings as God's gift and says he is "really happy" with his performance.

"I consider this as a second innings, a gift of God. Not many people come back after injury. I've been able to come back. God has given me a second chance to fulfill my dream," Pathan told media persons here on the sidelines of IPL side Delhi Daredevil's practice session at the Eden Gardens.

Cured of the injury, Pathan returned to the Indian team against the West Indies late last year, and was a part of the team that toured Australia. Recently he also played the Asia Cup in Bangladesh and the one-off Twenty20 in South Africa.

Pathan said more than taking wickets, he was enjoying "every small, small moment after waking up".

"Be it going with team in the bus, practising... I'm counting my blessings," he said.

"I'm really happy with my performance. The number of wickets I took in Australia... Yes Bangladesh was not good for me. But so far I'm happy."

Pathan said he was getting the movement, and though he conceded runs in the death overs, he was getting the wickets.

"I might be going for runs a few times. But in death overs, or at the powerplays, you are bound to go for runs, but it's important to keep taking wickets."

The left-arm seamer was eagerly waiting for the fifth edition of the IPL to start, as he felt it will help his improvement curve.

On the change in his bowling style, Pathan said that was prompted by the back injury.