MUMBAI, March 8: Former Pakistan pace spearhead Waqar Younis suggested struggling India seamer Irfan Pathan should view his old footage to draw inspiration ahead of next week's World Cup.
The 22-year-old left-arm bowler's confidence has been in tatters in recent months and he was sent home from the South Africa tour in December to regain his form in domestic cricket.
He returned one for 12 off six overs in the World Cup warm-up match against the Netherlands in Jamaica on Tuesday which India won by 182 runs.
But the talented seamer had bowled at a reduced pace against the minnows.
“My advice to him is to go back and look at his old footage because that might help find what is missing,” Waqar told reporters on Thursday.
“That is the best thing to do when one is struggling.”
Pathan had in the past taken tips from Pakistan pace great Wasim Akram and former Caribbean speedster Andy Roberts.
“I think there is too much advice being given to him, too many people are talking to him,” said Waqar, who stepped down as Pakistan's bowling coach in January due to differences with the board.
“I think one should leave him alone and allow him to sort his bowling out himself. Right now any advice will be detrimental. He has to view his old footage and boost himself.”
The 35-year-old Waqar expects one of the sub-continent teams — India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka — to win the showpiece event due to the conditions in the Caribbean.
“I would definitely say one of the sub-continent teams will take it,” he said. I was just there in the West Indies, the wickets are definitely going to suit the sub-continent teams because they are more of a turner tracks like the ones we play on in the sub-continent.”—Reuters