![quot i am targeting step by step my initial aim is to reach the top ten bowlers after which i will vie for top two slots quot fast bowler muhammad irfan photo afp file quot i am targeting step by step my initial aim is to reach the top ten bowlers after which i will vie for top two slots quot fast bowler muhammad irfan photo afp file](https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/585571-MohammadIrfan-1375457153/585571-MohammadIrfan-1375457153.jpg)
While initial excitement gave way to a number of analysis, ranging from experts dismissing him as too fragile to last, some though held onto the belief in the promise he presented, despite being a late entrant to international cricket.
His debut in England three years ago now seems a life time ago. But despite the turbulent initial spell, Irfan has made a strong comeback and proved himself in high pressure games against India.
Since then, the 31 year-old bowler has progressed in leaps and bounds, becoming one of the most successful pacers in a Pakistan's cricketing arsenal.
In the recently concluded Caribbean tour, where Pakistan won the ODI series 3-1 win and swept the two Twenty20 matches, Irfan was the second best bowler with nine scalps to his name. He was upstaged by compatriot Shahid Afridi, who snapped ten wickets.
Returning home, Irfan has shunned rest, and dived headfirst into the ongoing Ramazan Twenty20 in Karachi.
Irfan attributed his success to hard work, saying he was enjoying his current form to the full.
"I am enjoying a lot for the past few months," the fast bowler said in his first public speech after returning from the West Indies tour.
"The tour of West Indies was a tough challenge for me and I am satisfied with my overall performance."
Explaining the reason behind his success, Irfan said that being dropped from the team only made him work harder to make a comeback.
"I struggled a lot after being dropped from team following my debut. I was determined to make a comeback and after succeeding in it I am giving my heart out to perform for my team."
Irfan, currently ranked at 30 in the Reliance ODI bowler rankings, said he was targeting the top spot.
"I am targeting step by step. My initial aim is to reach the top ten bowlers after which I will vie for top two slots."
But the 7' 1" bowler knows success cannot come without hard work.
"However, rankings depend on performance and to perform well for my team is my greatest wish."
COMMENTS (5)
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Its a long Way to go. Hope he stay fit bit he gas Been impressive so far
Gul still has a sopt in the team, gul is way better than wahab riaz and asad ali...but i really want anwer ali to make his debut now
I am glad for Irfan and his success. He should continue his hard work and let his performance do the talking. Nice to see he realized that his performance was not good and was dropped only to work hard and come back stronger. Afridi did the same after being dropped and both are now performing.
wish u and team Pakistan best of luck Irfan. you are a great bowler. there is no place for gul anymore in the team.
He has the potential to be the best fast bowler in the world. In the West Indies, he not only bowled fast and with bounce but also showed he can move the ball. Great talent.