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Sreesanth's comeback story inspires Irfan Pathan
Out-of-favour seamer Irfan Pathan finds inspiration in S Sreesanth's spectacular return to international cricket and believes he too can claw his way back to the Indian team with some solid performances in domestic cricket.
Back in action for the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Irfan said he would leave no stone unturned in his efforts to impress the selectors and stage a comeback like Sreesanth did.
'I want to make a comeback like Sreesanth'
"Sreesanth has made an excellent comeback. He was doing well in domestic matches earlier and after returning to the India team he put up a performance, which is quite inspirational. I want to make a comeback like him," Irfan said.
"I met him before the Ranji match, I'm impressed with his body language also. This kind of comeback strengthens the belief that you can also do it in the same manner by improving your performance," said the left-arm seamer.
Back from a 19-month hiatus, Sreesanth's five-wicket haul was instrumental in India's 144-run victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka.
'I'm looking to impress the selectors'
Irfan said every domestic match has become of immense importance for him and it would take a string of good performances to make a comeback.
"Every cricketer has to improve to cement his place in the national team. I'm trying to give my best in every domestic match and hope it will get the attention of the selectors," said Irfan, who was recently demoted from Grade B to Grade C in the BCCI's central contracts.
Irfan played his last Test match against South Africa in Ahmedabad last year, while his last ODI appearance was against Sri Lanka, when India toured the island nation earlier this year.
Injury-free cricket
Irfan said he is free of niggles and in good nick with the bat.
"I'm totally fit now and bowling long spells. I've also cracked a half-century recently. It would be better had I been in the India team in this series. But it's nice to see India claiming its 100th Test victory," he said.
Irfan, who has 100 wickets from 29 Tests, also feels that his team's (Baroda) next Ranji Trophy Super League match against Group B leader Karnataka is going to be a tough encounter.
"It is going to be a very important match for us. They are the group leaders and playing well, but we are also ready to take them on at our home ground," Irfan said.