After my bowling speed, now my life has also slowed down due to COVID-19 lockdown: Irfan Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan was known for his excellent swing and seam movement. He would often make life tough for batsmen with his ability to swing the ball both ways. Irfan’s impressive bowling attributes even led to people comparing him the Indian legend– Kapil Dev.

Irfan donned the national jersey in 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is in which he scalped 100, 173 and 28 wickets respectively. However, in the latter stage of his career, Irfan was often criticized for reduction in his bowling speed. Irfan, while remembering the criticism, said on a lighter note that his life has also become slow amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My bowling speed slowed and life has also slowed down now. For me, it has been a blessing in disguise because I couldn’t take out time for my family after quitting cricket. Now I have been with them for 3 months,” said Irfan at Aaj Tak’s show ‘Salaam Cricket’.

Irfan Pathan also heaped praise on current crop of Indian pacers

Irfan also heaped praise on the current crop of fast bowlers including Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. He said that one needs a tremendous amount of fitness and skill to bowl with such swing and seam.

“Young kids want to become fast bowlers because of people like Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav. Credits go to these players because they have made fast bowling beautiful to watch. Watching them bowl with swing and seam movement is wonderful. You need tremendous fitness and skills to do that,” added Irfan.

Irfan has also been actively involved in spreading awareness amid the COVID-19 outbreak. He has even worked extensively in his hometown Baroda to curb the spread of coronavirus. Talking about his contribution amid the pandemic, Irfan said that it was his duty to give it back to society.

“I know a lot of players who have helped people and stayed away from the limelight. It is also our responsibility to help our people. Our job is not limited to just play for the country and earn our livelihoods. We have to give back to society as well,” said the 34-year-old.