Irfan Pathan who was recently seen as a Cricket expert and commentator has once again embraced the 22 yards in a bid to put up another strong performance in the coming Ranji season. Even as he gears up for a gruelling season, the Indian all-rounder is also making it count as a mentor in the valley
Irfan who has been roped in as a player cum mentor by the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association is eager to churn out talent in the Valley. So much so that, Irfan is ready to go that extra mile only to ensure Jammu & Kashmir Cricket benefits and grows in the coming years.
Irfan is in no mood to limit himself to the selection of J&K Ranji side only, in fact, his involvement has been so much that, youngsters from different districts have for the first time given a platform to attend selection trials and showcase their talent.
Only, a week ago, there were a lot of selection camps held across several districts of the state and Irfan had a close eye on them. Several youngsters turned up in huge numbers for the camp to gain an entry to higher levels of cricket
Speaking to Cricfit, Irfan Pathan said “I am Glad to have taken up this role. The aim is to build a Ranji team for the side as well as find some district cricketers who can go the next level. Though my contract is only as a player and guide for the Ranji cricket, I am trying to play my part for the overall development of the same. I am trying to spot the talents from the districts and also spending some time with them. Boys are really happy to participate in such a camp after a long time. “
Irfan has always been a very encouraging senior. Even in Baroda, when he was captain of the side, a lot of youngsters looked up to him and even walked up to him each time they needed any inputs or guidance. Mentoring comes naturally to Irfan and not surprisingly, the Indian all-rounder is eager to add a lot of structure and method to the grass root cricket in Jammu.
Irfan Pathan begins his role as a mentor for Jammu and Kashmir Cricket
On the fitness levels of the players participating in the camp, Pathan said “The body screening was done to assess the stamina and strength of the players and we also organized Yo-Yo test for the first time. But these are primarily for me and the support staff to know where the players are from and how to enhance their fitness levels and skills to make them a better cricketer. “
Pathan, for now, has channelized all his focus for the development of Cricket in the valley, so much so that, he has taken a break from all other assignments. Irfan adds ‘Being on the field, rolling my arm, playing that cover drive and being among boys who I can motivate and encourage is the best place to be in’. Irfan further adds “Four boys are now selected from the district to play alongside seniors. They are so happy to get this chance. Now they can learn a lot from the other players and few tips can mould them better. I have personally seen 150 boys till now and will see 60 more in Kashmir district tomorrow. In the coming days, I am hoping to see a lot in Jammu district also.”
Be it for India, his franchise or even his previous Ranji side Baroda, Irfan has always been a trier, hard worker and committed an individual, giving his 100 per cent each time he walked out in the field. One can only say is that Baroda’s loss is Jammu & Kashmir’s gain.