The fast bowler of the future ! The most talented one to arrive on the scene ! From rags to riches poster boy !
He arrived ! He conquered ! He retired !
A super talent hung his boots from the cricket scene formally today.
Irfan Pathan !
One of those youth icons has called it quits after 16 years of international cricket, which probably had got over way back in 2012. It might be a prolongation of the zeal, wish or shimmer of hope to represent India that made Irfan continue.
Representing Baroda, Irfan brought in that freshness in India’s dwelling seam attack, first through his looks and then sheer talent comparable to the great Wasim Akram. He proved his talent beyond par in a test match against traditional rivals Pakistan when he took a hattrick in the very first over of the match in Karachi and thanks to Greg Chappell soon made it possible with bat too !
The need of fast bowling allrounder created after Kapil Dev’s exit seemed a reality. But boy ! Some stories don’t last forever.
As they say, the game of cricket is extremely volatile and so is that form. Only few can turn that upside down as dip in the form hits you. Unfortunately for Pathan, it was not to be and the inner fight to be an allrounder or a genuine quickie ultimately resulted in sitting out of the national team. The setback was never overcame and he remained in oblivion for selection to play his last test at a tender age of 24 and few years later last ODI at 28.
IPL and Ranji trophy didn’t help him recuperate his career and ultimate day arrived as he announced his retirement today.
Irfan Pathan deserved more but nonetheless he will always be recalled as one of the greats to represent India at the highest level.
The story has moved to one of the most stylish commentators of recent times and with command and control over the language, media career seems here to stay.
Wishing Irfan Pathan, all the very best for his future and thanking him for giving us glorious moments in Indian Cricket.
Disclaimer: The article is a mere expression of a cricket fan in a personal capacity.
Image Courtesy: Cricket Country
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