Strong boy Irfan promises to bowl his heart out at World Cup

New Delhi, Feb 22 (UNI) Team India seamer Irfan Pathan's niggles and form may be giving sleepless nights to the team management but the man himself is thankful that these injuries have occurred at 22 rather than 28 when it would have become far more difficult to brush off 'minor' wear and tears.

''I am feeling pretty confident...Had some problems. But that is why I am playing the Deodhar trophy match on February 25. It will help me regain full fitness,'' Pathan said.

He went on to add that 'pressure will always be there...It depends on how you take it...I will give my heart-out when I play.'' The man, who may have a crcucial role to play if Team India is to bring back the past glory, says the shoulder injury plaguing him is a ''minor thing'', adding, ''I was ready to play in the last match against Sri Lanka but Rahul (Dravid) and the management did not want to take the risk.'' About his frame of mind going into the World Cup, Pathan said, ''I have become stronger and I am happy that these problem plaguing me have occurred when I am 22...not when I am 28, in which case it would have been more difficult to cope with these problems.'' Speaking to reporters here at the launch of country's first ever 'Gully Cricket Tournament' as the Brand Ambassador for Gillette, Pathan said, ''I have grown up playing in gullies (lanes) while living in a masjid and still carry fond memories of those days.'' Asked what his role in the World Cup would be, he refused to elaborate but reiterated that his priority will be to perform, ''Purely as a bowler who can contribute with the bat.'' Seemingly on an unfamiliar pitch when quizzed about his investment strategy from his earnings through endorsements, the pacer preferred to play it with a straight bat, saying, ''I like to be safe now and I am only into investing in property and land as they are safer options these days.'' For all those who doubt his committment and motivation, Pathan signed off saying, ''From the moment you wear the Indian cap, you are a winner from then on.'' The handsome pacer, who has quite a huge following among women, blushed when asked whether he was conscious about his good looks.

''I am not very conscious when on field but outside I prefer to be clean-shaven,'' he said with a smile.

UNI