Pathan confident of regaining form

Irfan Pathan, out of the Indian team for quite some time now, has blamed a packed international calendar for not being able to rectify his bowling "problems", which he first detected on the tour of Pakistan in 2006.

He said he had drawn the attention of the then coach, Greg Chappell, and his assistant, Ian Frazer, but was unable to work on them.

"I showed my video to Greg and Frazer in Pakistan. By the time I realised it, little problems got complicated and it became a bit complex. Also, I didn't get much time to be mentally fresh during that period," Pathan said.

"However, I must say, it's only a temporary phase and I would definitely be out of this sooner and am confident of being top of the game," Pathan told IBN7.

The Baroda all-rounder said there were times when he would wonder and felt lost about what's wrong with his game, but working at the MRF foundation was an "eye-opener".

"T A Sekhar has seen my bowling from close quarters and he is working with me. His advice and inputs are invaluable and I have found my swing and rhythm back. Sekhar showed me the glitches in my action from 2001 onwards. It's been eye-opener," he said.

On talk about slowing down his bowling pace, Pathan said speed is important, but that alone does not guarantee success in international cricket.

"Chaminda Vaas is an ideal example and role model for us. Wasim Akram will remain my hero since I idolised him from my childhood, but I have never tried to copy anyone."

The 22-year-old also dismissed talk of batting being a 'bad influence' on his bowling.

"On the contrary, it has helped my game. I am a better cricketer because of it. Since under-19 days I have been working on my batting. Before Chappell, [his predecessor] John Wright too worked on my batting. The critics will change their opinions once I am back to my best in bowling. They will appreciate my batting skill then."

Pathan, who is sharing a room with some of the younger trainees from all parts of the country at the MRF guesthouse, admitted it had been some sort of a "reality check" for him.

"It's not easy to adjust from five-star luxury to the guest house. It's difficult to see low after high, but I have seen worse things in my life," said the paceman, who hails from a humble background.

"Here I have to do everything on my own. When you play for country, there are always people around you to help, from picking your kit-bag to pick-and-drop facility at the airport. But things dramatically change once you are out of Team India."

However, in a philosophical tone, he said life is bigger than cricket and he takes positives from the fact that as a youngster what he has achieved not too many have at this stage.

"Of course, it is a critical stage of my career and I have learnt quite a few things, not only about cricket but also life in general."