(Image Source: Instagram)
[Saba Sports News] Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan celebrated his 39th birthday on October 27, 2023. He received numerous heartfelt wishes from fans and fellow cricketers. What caught the attention of many was the birthday wish from his elder son, Imran Pathan, who baked a cake for his father to convey his warm wishes. Imran shared a video of himself baking the cake on his Instagram account with the caption, “Best Daddy in the world!!”
Irfan Pathan was celebrated as one of India’s most talented swing bowlers. He made his Test debut in Australia in December 2003 at the age of 19 and quickly gained recognition for his pace and ability to trouble big hitters with his left-arm swing. Pathan’s early performances drew comparisons to Pakistan’s great Wasim Akram.
One of the standout moments in Pathan’s career came when he claimed a hat-trick in the opening over of a Test match against Pakistan in Karachi in 2006, becoming the only bowler to achieve this feat. However, his form declined after 2006, with a reduction in his wicket-taking ability, pace, and swing.
Despite his consistent batting performances, Pathan was dropped from the Indian team by the end of 2006, both in Tests and ODIs. He made a comeback to the squad in the inaugural 2007 ICC Twenty20 World Cup, where India emerged as champions. Pathan was also part of the squad that won the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
In his international career, Irfan Pathan averaged 31.57 with the bat in 29 Tests, 23.39 in 120 ODIs, and 24.57 in 24 T20Is. He took 100 Test wickets at an average of 32.26, 173 ODI wickets at 29.73, and 28 T20I wickets at 22.07. His final international appearance came in the 2012 T20 World Cup against South Africa in Colombo.