India left arm paceman Irfan Pathan believes his switch from pure pace to swing will continue to pay dividends after a record wicket haul in Zimbabwe.
Pathan emulated team mate Anil Kumble and England's Johnny Briggs by taking 21 wickets in the two-Test series. Briggs, an orthodox slow left armer, captured 21 victims in a two-Test series against South Africa in 1888-9. Kumble followed suit against Pakistan in 1999.
He was named player-of-the-series in Zimbabwe after guiding India to their first Test series victory outside the subcontinent in 19 years.
Pathan said his performances against Zimbabwe had boosted his confidence ahead of India's busy schedule starting this month.
"I realise it is an important six months for Indian cricket and for me," he said. "All the cricket is in the subcontinent and I know I have to stay really fit."
India host Sri Lanka for a one-day and Test series and also play South Africa at home. In January they tour Pakistan and then host England in March-April.
FINE START
Pathan made an impact on his Test debut as a teenager during the impressive 1-1 Test series draw in Australia in 2003-04.
Producing sharp inswing to trouble right-handed batsmen, he grabbed 12 wickets on the historic tour of Pakistan which followed, helping India claim their maiden Test series triumph across the border.
However, it was then downhill after a side strain forced him out of the final two games in the 2-1 home Test series defeat against Australia late last year.
"That injury was possibly because of the extra training I did on my own though the physio and trainer asked me to hold back," he explained.
Pathan also suffered a shoulder injury in June.
"The two injuries I sustained over the last year and a half were both due to over-training," he said. "It was my mistake."
Pathan swapped pace for swing after advice from the great Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, who himself had to fight back from a potentially career ending back injury.
He initially struggled to produce swing, managing only six wickets in the three-test series against Pakistan in March-April. The tourists drew the Tests 1-1 and won the one-dayers 4-2.
"It could happen to anyone," Pathan said. "Everyone knows the ball doesn't swing as much in India as it does abroad.
"It happens, sometimes due to the conditions, sometimes because you are not (pulling up) your action properly. For me it all happened in one series.
"I want to carry the ability to run through teams against quality oppositions as well. I'm just two years old in international cricket. I'm still learning."