His impressive show during the recently concluded limited overs cricket series in Sri Lanka has taught Irfan Pathan to "enjoy each and every small moment of success" that comes his way.
"After being out for two years due to injury, this is one thing I have learnt. I need to enjoy each and every small bit of success that comes my way. I have to seize happiness from each and every moment on cricket field," Pathan told PTI in an interview today.
"I have realized that whatever has happened in the past is history and I can't afford to look too ahead towards future. But I can control my present and work hard to make things happen. That is exactly what I am trying to do. Grab each and every moment," the 27-year-old, who won two man-of-the-match awards said.
"A good delivery like the one that swung into Dilshan and I got him bowled in the T20 match is certainly satisfying but at the same time my innings of 34 not out is also equally significant as it was very important in the context of the match. These are little successes that I have started enjoying. It lifts your morale."
The Lankan series has by far been the best one for Irfan where he got a five-for in one of the ODIs, had couple of cameos as well as a match-winning performance in the one-off T20.
On whether he has now cemented a place in the Indian team, he said, "You can never say you belong to a certain place. I believe that only if I perform, I will be a part of that dressing room. I will have to keep contributing in whatever little way I can."
Having tasted the flavour of Test cricket (he already has a double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets from 29 Tests), he wants to get back into white flannels in near future.
"I have my own set of dreams and playing Test cricket is certainly on top of that list. I want to perform well in the limited overs version so that when Test cricket comes calling, I am up and ready for it," the all-rounder said.
Having played at the Premadasa Stadium during the ODIs, Pathan is confident that Team India will do well during the upcoming World T20 Champiopnship starting from September 18.
"We now have a fair idea about the Premadasa strip. It's a good batting wicket but obviously dew will be factor during the evening matches," Pathan assessed.
The cricketer, who is taking a short break, plans to travel to Bangalore to train at the NCA provided the weather in Baroda is not conducive for outdoor practice.