Date:01/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/08/01/stories/2004080106911700.htm

Sport - Cricket

One learns by discussing: Pathan

By Our Principal Correspondent

COLOMBO, JULY 31. Every morning Irfan Pathan recalls Sachin Tendulkar's advice. "Always remember, however good a player you become, you are only remembered by your last performance," the Mumbai maestro told him once.

The left-arm speedster from Baroda was India's find on the tour of Pakistan. His biggest worry was that he would end as a one-series wonder. He certainly didn't. And going by his abilities, could emerge the country's spearhead soon enough. He is thereabouts already.

That the 19-year-old is talented is obvious, blessed with the ability to swing the ball with ease.

A natural athlete with a smooth, easy-flowing action, Pathan has stuck to Sourav Ganguly's brief. "The skipper's advice to me was to bowl stump to stump, which is what I've done since Australia. He told me that it is too early for me to experiment, " said Pathan.

That he is developing into a student of the game is evident from the fact that discusses and talks to former players at the first given opportunity.

"I've always listened to past players, you learn so much when they recall their experiences. I also keep asking my teammates how I am bowling. They are the ones who play me regularly at nets. One learns by discussing, " said Pathan.

About the Pakistan tour, he said, "The whole team was charged up. Probably had to do with the atmosphere. It was a historic series, as you know."

Asked about any pressure, now that he is looked up to as the strike force in the Asia Cup, Pathan said, "I don't think of all that. If you are talking about pressure, look at the kind which players like Tendulkar, Ganguly, Sehwag, Dravid and Laxman carry. That's pressure. I just concentrate on my bowling and leave the rest to God."