Irfan Pathan cited an example from his career playing for India to explain how life has been amid the lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on Aaj Tak's show 'Salaam Cricket', Irfan, the former left-arm pacer, said how people felt his bowling speed has slowed down, the life has also gone into a stagnated mode, for him and the rest of the world.
"They said my bowling speed slowed and life has also slowed down now," he said. "For me, it has been a blessing in disguise because I couldn't take out time for my family after quitting cricket. Now I have been with them for 3 months."
Irfan has been uploading multiple videos with his brother and out-of-favour India batsman, Yusuf Pathan, during this phase. On being asked about it, he said it was a conscious effort to bring his shy elder sibling up and close with fans through the social media. Irfan informed that Yusuf was initially hesitant to do so, but is now more open to the limelight.
"I had the responsibility to bring Yousuf Pathan out into the limelight and make him at ease in front of the camera. I used this opportunity in the lockdown to do exactly that. When I made the first video with him he wasn't happy but yesterday he told me we haven't made a video in a long time. It was also our responsibility to bring smile on the faces of our followers and entertain them which is why we are trying to do."
Irfan, also involved in charity work, said he feels it is his duty to give back to the society, especially in these difficult times.
"I know a lot of players who have helped people and stayed away from the limelight. It is also our responsibility to help our people," he said. "Our job is not limited to just play for the country and earn our livelihoods. We have to give back to the society as well."
"There is something called Zakaat in Islam, which the poor/needy people are entitled to. It is very satisfying to help the people in need and even if the blessing of one person works then I think our job would have been successful."
Irfan, meanwhile, praised India's current bunch of fast bowlers, saying they are the real inspirations for young, talented kids to follow.
"Young kids want to become fast bowlers because of people like Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav," he said.
"Credits goes to these players because they have made fast bowling beautiful to watch. Watching them bowl with swing and seam movement is wonderful. You need tremendous fitness and skills to do that."
(Inputs from India Today)
