Pathan says he is back at his best

June 02: Star all-rounder Irfan Pathan claimed that he is back to his peak form and believes that he is ready to bounce back in international arena. After the six day training period at the MRF pace foundation he said that he has regained his rhythm and academy has helped him to take corrective measures.

"See the glow on my face. Don't you think I am enjoying my bowling," Irfan Pathan said.

About his trip to the foundation, he said, "I had to work on my bowling during the break. Sometimes, even when you are in form, you start going wrong technically. And because of so many matches, you don't have the time to correct them. I called up Mr. T.A. Sekar and he was ready to help me."

He showed great respect and gratitude for T. A Sekar, the chief coach at the Academy.

"I have been wanting to hone my skills under Sekar Sir but I could not find time at a stretch for a week or more." Pathan said.

Pathan played last in the home series against West Indies. However Irfan feels that he lost his rhythm during India's Pakistan tour and believes it was an outcome of taking advices from too many people.

Irfan Pathan had his cricketing career full of fluctuating fortunes. He came as a strike bowler and soon emerged as a star in whom people saw this glimpse of the legendary left arm bowler Wasim Akram, who was always there for his help. He started displaying his skills with his bat as well but somehow lost his concentration on his prime skill i.e. bowling. He lost his swing the way he lost his pace and became erratic with his line and length. Sooner his continuous bad performances followed and costed him his place in the team.

Ever since then Pathan has faced his critics from every nook and corner. However his hard work may pay for him now, as he has been practicing out of his skin to get back on track.

Sekar - head coach, MRF Pace Foundation, Said, "we worked on his run-up. His shoulders were swaying and he was not able to control his body movement. We worked on him moving from smaller steps to bigger strides."

He seems to be confident about his rhythm now and one hopes his pace and swing is restored. However only time can tell whether he has re-gathered it all or not.