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Thank you Wasim Akram.


Talent alone is like no talent. You have to work hard at it and also need someone to nurture your gift..

Many of us know within ourselves, but rarely discuss it that highest one day wicket taker - Wasim Akram is the reason behind the success Irfan Pathan has had. It was 2003 tour of Australia when Irfan brust onto the scene, and Wasim Akram started his career as Commentator. With ESPN and star Sports.

Wasim Akram1.jpgWhat actually happened behind the cameras - I don't know. But Wasim Akram, like any other honest former cricketer - started to work with a new talent from India. Irfan Pathan didn't had the pace of "young" Wasim Akram, neither had the accuracy.

What he did had was Wasim Akram himself at the next door in those days down Under. Result - Irfan learned the rare art of bringing the ball in to the right handed batsman. Irfan was lucky to find one the greatest fast bowlers right at the begining of his career and as his bowling action was almost identical to Akrams', a new Wasim was born.

What also was special in Irfan those days that he bowled an inbetween length. It's tough for a bowler to find that length - neither over pitched nor short enough. but because of some attention from the great Pakistani - Irfan Pathan's raw talent started to find success...

You may not believe, but after that 2003 series in Australia, ESPN star never actually had the telecast rights of Indian matches, and hence, Wasim Akram couldn't find time with Irfan.

There was a series in Bangladesh about a year ago, but the oppostition was so easy that Irfan didn't requried tips froIrfan Akram.jpgm his mentor..

Now we are in South Africa. and ESPN has the telecast rights. What it has done is bring Wasim-Irfan together once again and watching Irfan Pathan bowl in the 4th ODI and then in the twenty20 International, I can assure you that within 2 days of attention - Irfan is again finding that typical bowling length and Ball has started to swing again for him.

I am sure Irfan says thanks to Wasim Akram whenever he should. But making Irfan Pathan what he is today, I feel no Indian has ever thanked Wasim Akram...

We may enjoy the wickets that Irfan takes, but as a Indian cricket lover, we must not ignore the great Pakistani and say what should be said --

Thank you Wasim Akram.




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