Kolkata: Irfan Pathan is back into the Indian squad after a gap of two years because of back injuries and form. 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.
Irfan Pathan is also ready for the challenge of playing against his big brother Yusuf Pathan. Irfan said that he would be happy if his team Delhi Daredevils wins the IPL game on Thursday, while elder brother Yusuf strikes a 50 or a hundred for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Two days before the KKR take on Delhi Daredevils in their inaugural match at the Eden Gardens, Irfan said that he was not expecting to be pitted against his brother so early in the IPL.
"This is the only match I can't handle. Even though we are brothers, both of us must be honest to our profession," Irfan told media persons on the sidelines of the Delhi side's practice session.
The lanky pacer is worried over a scenario where he may have to bowl the last over with his brother in the middle.
"I am worried over a scenario where he bats and I bowl the last over with the opponents needing 10-15 runs to win," he said.
Asked what would make him the happiest - his brother's success or Delhi Daredevil's win - Irfan replied: "I shall be happy if my brother scores a 50 or a 100 but we win the match."
Talking about being familiar with Yusuf's game, the junior Pathan said: " I know all about him as he knows about me."
On a personal level, he said they were like normal brothers. "We fight, we do not talk for hours like husband and wife, and then we make up. But yes, we have a boundary line about each other which we do not cross".
And then he added, tongue in cheek: "I feel he being the elder brother has to look after me."
Asked when he would marry, Irfan again referred to his elder brother. "I think if you ask my brother, it will be appropriate. I am now married to cricket. I am honest to my game."(IANS)
