The fire continues to burn in Yusuf Pathan, who last played for India eight years back, but left a timely reminder of his prowess with a match-winning 41 that saw Baroda clinch victory by two wickets in a low-scoring Ranji Trophy league encounter versus Karnataka. 

"If I'm enjoying myself, such shots come from within. Today I came and started hitting the fast bowlers. They were bowling well," Pathan was quoted saying after his knock on January 8, "I didn't make any plans. Why should I think? The bowler is the one who should think. But it's not like I swung with my eyes shut. I hit the ball where I wanted to hit it."

Despite featuring in 57 ODIs and 22 T20Is, Pathan has had to go through the pain of watching others climb over him in the pecking order. There have been various injuries along the way as well but the 36-year-old is finally enjoying his cricket once again. 

"I wasn't enjoying my cricket. A lot of things happened. There were coaching changes at Baroda too; the environment affected me a lot. But last year, I spoke to (VVS) Laxman bhai at SRH. He helped me. This season, I've tried to keep myself in a good frame of mind," said Pathan who has tallied more than 400 first-class runs in a season after a while. 

"It's something I should have done earlier. I want to play cricket the way Irfan (Pathan) and I used to when we're 16 years old: it was so much fun. When I'm having fun, bowlers fear me. I feel I did OK with the chances I got(for India). I have no regrets. I did the hard work that was required of me."

Pathan might never make it there again but he hasn't yet given up on a comeback for India at the highest level. 

"Till I keep playing, that will be my motivation and hope. It's a different thing that it's going to be difficult now. But it's not impossible. People love me a lot here. They want to see me play for India again. I want to give them something. If I don't get picked, koi baat nahin. But why should I stop trying?" he signed off. 

(Inputs from Sportstar)