Irfan Pathan turns 32, birthday wishes pour in for the swing bowling genius

It’s been 4 years since Irfan Pathan last played an ODI for India, but such is the fame and love for the southpaw, that every Cricket fan, not only in India, but in fact, all over the world still remembers him fondly.

Making his debut in 2004 against Australia, Irfan Pathan quickly made a name for himself in the fast and bouncy pitches down under. Loaded up with raw speed and dangerous swing, Irfan rose to sensation early in his career. After all, who doesn’t love a subcontinent bowler who can bowl fast and snatch up wickets with his swing?

However, the best moment in Irfan’s career arrived in Pakistan in 2006 when the man from Baroda claimed a brilliant hat-trick to become a fan favorite in India. The sight of Mohammed Yousuf getting clean bowled is still strong among the Indian fans as Pathan touched the next level.

The left armer reached his personal best under the guidance of coach Greg Chappell when Pathan started to perform strongly with both bat and ball.

In a very good career that is still going strong, Pathan had etched his name as the next big all-rounder for India after Kapil Dev, before the unfortunate injuries took their toll and Irfan lost his place in the Indian side.

Also read – Brett Lee writes about bowling to Sachin Tendulkar

In the 29 Test matches so far, Irfan has snatched up 100 wickets at an impressive bowling average of 32 while he has also scored 1105 runs at a healthy batting average of 31.

173 wickets in 120 ODIs at an average of just 29 and 1544 runs at a batting average of 23 makes him a very good all-rounder down the order for India who are still in search for Kapil Dev’s heir. A strong and healthy Irfan Pathan who turns 32 today certainly ticks every box there.

On his birthday, Cricketing fraternity took to Twitter to wish the Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, here are some of the best tweets.