Sport | Cricket
'Pressure affecting bowler Pathan'
Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis yesterday said extra pressure was affecting Indian pacer Irfan Pathan's bowling.
- IANS
- Published: 23:34 May 3, 2009
New Delhi: Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis yesterday said extra pressure was affecting Indian pacer Irfan Pathan's bowling.
"There is too much of pressure on him and that is affecting his bowling. We can't forget that he is primarily a bowler. But you make him open both the batting and bowling," Waqar, here for the Champions Trophy, told reporters at an open media session.
"There is a huge pressure on any player who opens the batting or bowling. I personally feel Irfan is a bowler who can contribute with the bat at No 6 or 7 position," said the former fast bowler.
Waqar, a former Pakistan captain, suggested the Baroda bowler should be given more time to settle down.
"He is still a kid and unnecessary pressure will be detrimental for his career. He has a bright future and he should be given time to settle down."
He said he was enjoying his new role of bowling coach. "In my life, the team has been the top priority and I am happy that I am able to serve the team again."
With 350-400-run targets being quite achievable these days in one-day cricket, Waqar wants his wards to add more variation in their repertoire.
"One day cricket has changed a lot over a decade. There is nothing for the bowlers so I tell the boys they should have more variation in their bowling to counter attack the batsmen."
Learning experience
The 34-year-old, who was appointed bowling coach in March, felt that the July-September England tour was a big learning experience for him.
"The conditions are suitable there for the fast bowlers and it taught me how to guide my bowlers to exploit the situation," said the man who himself had troubled the English batsmen in his playing days.
Waqar also gave credit to coach Bob Woolmer for helping to bring about a transformation in the Pakistan team. "Bob has done a wonderful job and he has planned some strategies keeping the World Cup in mind. I hope everything works out accordingly."
The World Cup will be played in the West Indies in March-April next year.
Multimedia
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