Pathan’s last match for India came against South Africa in October 2012

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has announced that he is determined to represent his country again.

Pathan, who has not played for India since 2012 due to injuries, is looking to capture the attention of the national selectors during the upcoming Ranji Trophy season.

“Irfan will return very soon. For that my focus is on the forthcoming Ranji matches,” Pathan said. “I will play all the Ranji Trophy matches and if you play four-day cricket, it would be easier to play one-day cricket. Before or after the World Cup, I am sure that I will soon be playing for team India.

“I am very excited about Ranji Trophy matches. I will contribute towards bowling and batting as well. The experience that I have gained in so many years is an advantage. I will use that advantage and try my best to make a comeback.”

Pathan refused to comment about India’s disastrous Test series against England, which they lost 3-1, but he is hoping they can win the ongoing ODI series after they took a 1-0 lead following their 133-run via the Duckworth-Lewis method in the second ODI in Cardiff.

“It will not be proper to comment about it, but seeing the performance during the last one-day game, I hope the team will continue to perform like this,” he said.

Pathan is also confident that batsman Virat Kohli will regain his form with the bat. Kohli only managed to score 134 runs at a dismal average of 13.40 in the Test series and followed that up with a duck in the second ODI.

“I think Virat will definitely get his form back,” he said. “He is an excellent and confident player. Neither we nor his fans should bother about Virat’s performance during a particular season. I am very confident that what has been happening to him will make him a better player.”