'Aiming for a good season'

Interview: Pathan targets domestic circuit for international comeback

The 24-year old has vowed to return strongly and the all-rounder told Deccan Herald on Wednesday that he was looking for a bright start to the new domestic season.

How are your preparations shaping up?

I am having a good build-up at the NCA. By next week, I am sure of getting back to full rhythm. My aim is to come up with a good show in the domestic season.
Have you put yourself under any pressure?

No, there is no pressure. Pressure will always be there to perform. During the initial two or three years, even when I did not bowl in one odd game, I used to play in the next game. But that is not the case for the last some months and that makes a difference. You many not be able to play international cricket always. You cannot keep thinking of the negatives, you have to stack up the positives.

Have you felt you have not got credit after some noteworthy efforts?

People will have a lot of opinions, whether you take wickets or not. But yes, sometimes you feel credit is not on your way. But you cannot keep thinking about it, because I have not even travelled half way through my career. I have no doubt about my ability. I am going to achieve a lot more in my career than I have in the past. I am determined to get what I deserve.

Do you think your focus wavered when things, especially your bowling, were not going your way?

If I get a chance to bowl 40 overs in international cricket, then I can get results, but that has not been the case for the last one and a half years. But I am not making any excuses here.  Look at Brett Lee, who went for some runs in the first couple of matches in England after coming back from injury. But he got five wickets in the fourth. If you’re not going to give time, it’s not going to be easy. But I am happy I am doing all the right things in terms of my batting and bowling. It is a matter of getting regular international matches.

Have you thought of putting more emphasis on batting?

I still consider myself a bowling all-rounder. But I am going to give equal attention to both aspects in the domestic season, starting with the Irani Cup. I will try to bat up the order in the Ranji Trophy. But this does not mean I am going to shift focus from my bowling.