The celebration hasn’t stopped in the Pathan family. A day after Yusuf starred in Rajasthan’s victory against Kolkata, Irfan picked up three key wickets in Kings XI Punjab’s first victory of the IPL. In an interview with The Sunday Express, the younger Pathan talks about bowling, batting, and his brother. Excerpts:

Are you an all-rounder, or aren’t you? What’s the final word?

• Some people have always said that I can be called an all-rounder because I bat well. Some others have said that I’m a frontline bowler. Let people decide what I am. Just give me any term and I’ll be comfortable with that. From my side, bowling will always be my priority. I’m fully committed to my cricket, but I concentrate 60 per cent on bowling and 40 per cent on batting.

Many cricketers have made the transition from bowler to batsman in international cricket. Why do you resist putting your batting abilities ahead?

• I don’t deny that I have a gift as far as batting is concerned. I know I can bat, and I’ve proved it against the best in the world. There was a period when I got to bat more than I bowled. I always said give me a fixed place in the batting order, and I’ll be fine with the image change. If you want me to bat at number three, give me four straight matches at that position so that I can be comfortable. But I’ve always been seen as a bowler first, and I think it will stay that way.

... contd.