After his reckless performances against Pakistan earlier this year, Irfan Pathan has grown and matured so much that his performances in these recent one-dayers (with the bat or with the ball) have virtually been indispensable. A perfect example of what being dropped out of the side for 3 games can do (Irfan was dropped mid-way in the Pakistan series). Hunger and motivation is the keyword. Kudos to the youngster for taking his repeated failures seriously and making an immediate impact.

It wasn't all that rosy for Irfan, for he spent a good three to four weeks in the UK working on his game with Middlesex, and this short burst with the county has reaped loads of rewards to Pathan, both with the bat and the ball. What seems a significant progress is the amount of work he has done with his batting, which is proving to be an asset to the Indians. Batting at number 3 is not easy, and his very nimble footwork seems he's been doing it all his life. While the matches against Zimbabwe were a virtual walkover for the Indians, Irfan got the bucketful of wickets and confidence he needed for the season.

Everyone around knew what he was capable of it was only just for him to have delivered, as he rightly did. The media should shoo itself away from making boisterous comparisons to Freddie Flintoff just yet, as he comes across as a bowler, who could bat and anything he scores is an absolute bonus. But, from the more rational point of view, it is important for him to think like an all-rounder, who could be called on at times of calamity to contribute - both with bat and ball. It has been a truly memorable homecoming for the 21-year old, as slowly the promise is turning into performance, but in this rather cruel game of cricket, the need of the hour is getting it right consistently. And with him leading the hopes of many, it will only be a matter of time before he makes himself felt among the very best in International Cricket.