Young pace sensation Irfan Pathan, who emerged the leading wicket-taker in the triangular one-day cricket series in Australia, is working hard to perfect his basics and carry on his form on the tour of Pakistan.
The 20-year-old, who is training hard at the conditioning camp in Kolkata along with the rest of the Indian squad, expressed confidence of performing well as an opening bowler during coming tour.
"I am enjoying the prospect of bowling alongside Zaheer Khan. He is a great help and always gives me tips. We vibe pretty well... it will be fun bowling with him," he said.
Asked what he's focusing on during the camp, Pathan replied: "Sharing the new ball has thrust greater responsibility on me. I am aware of the demands that come along with it. I am working on the basics and trying to perfect line and length to get little things in order. It is these things which will help in Pakistan."
Pathan, who jumped straight from the under-19 level to the big league with a record nine-wicket haul in the Asia Cup under-19 tournament, said the experience he gained Down Under will help him overcome pressure.
"I am consistently trying to keep pressure away from me. The Aussie tour has given me lots of experience and I would like to carry all my experience and all that I have learnt there to Pakistan," he said.
Having played in Pakistan during the Asia Cup under-19 tournament, he said the pitches there are similar to those in India.
"It is much like in India. So I am working on the ways I need to bowl in the sub-continent," he said, adding "I have played in Lahore and I know what kind of ground they have there. I am not sure about the other grounds in Pakistan, but I still think I am good enough for them."
Asked about the tips being given by newly-appointed bowling consultant Kapil Dev, Pathan said, "He is a great bowler, has lots of experience and has been sharing those experiences with us. He also gave us lessons on how to concentrate and focus on the game."
