On Saturday, Irfan Pathan, the Indian all-rounder announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Irfan Pathan made his debut against Australia in December 2003, at the young age of 19-years only. And since then there was no looking back.
Irfan is one of the finest all-rounders India has produced. All thanks to his mesmerizing bowling spells that not just he became a World T20 champion but also went on to become a cult hero for the youngsters. During his glorious career, he played 29 Tests, 120 ODIs and 24 T20Is for India, where he picked up a total of 301 international wickets.
After announcing about his retirement, Irfan Pathan confessed about the regret he has. He said that he regrets that his career ended at the age when some people make their debuts. He said:
“People start their career when they are 27-28 and then go on to play till 35. When I was 27, I had taken 301 international wickets, so that was it. That is the only regret I have,”
Further, he added that he should have got more opportunities than he did. He said:
“A 27-year-old Irfan Pathan, at the peak of his career, should have got more opportunities but it did not happen for whatever reasons. No complaints but looking back, there is regret.”
He added:
“I knew after 2016 that I am not going to make a comeback when I was the highest run scorer in Mushtaq Ali trophy. I was the best all-rounder and when I spoke to selectors, they were not very happy with my bowling. I wish I would have played more and could have taken that tally to 500-600 wickets and scored more runs, but it did not happen”
