New Delhi: Indian cricket outcast Irfan Pathan had once set the world stage on fire, as he was touted to be one of the promising best superstars for the future.
But years have gone by and an out of form Irfan marred with injuries saw his career go on a direction he wouldn't have liked.
The left-arm pacer last played ODI and T20 cricket for India in 2012. Since then Irfan just like his brother Yusuf Pathan haven't come into the frame of Indian selectors' mind.
Irfan plays for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. On his 31st birthday, Irfan posted a photo on Twitter with a cake.
When u get early morning b day wish n cake what u do ?U eat it for breakfast ;) #birthday thank u all for the wishes pic.twitter.com/KG2bESsTJM
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 27, 2015
We look at five interesting facts of his glittering early career in cricket.
# Irfan made his Test debut at an early age of 19 against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on December 12, 2003. During the same tour Down Under, he also made his ODI debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne on January 9, 2004.
# His performances were excellent in 2004 and Pathan was named ICC Emerging Player of the Year.
# Irfan became the second Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket against rivals Pakistan on January 29, 2006 in Karachi.
# Irfan made his way back to the Indian team during the 2007 World T20, where he was the Man of the Match in the final against Pakistan.
# Irfan is also the fastest Indian player to reach one hundred wickets ODIs.
Cricket world took to Twitter to wish Irfan.
Happy birthday @IrfanPathan have a wonderful day and a great year ahead. God bless!
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 27, 2015
@IrfanPathan may u have a great year brother..many many happy returns of the day..love to family.. pic.twitter.com/3UouVx0Muz
— Sreesanth (@sreesanth36) October 27, 2015
Many many happy returns of the day Irfan Bhai. #godbless #BLASTit @IrfanPathan
— surya 212 (@surya_14kumar) October 27, 2015
