Irfan Pathan: After devastating spell, pacer should be on selectors, IPL teams' radar

New Delhi: Veteran pacer Irfan Pathan was easily the best performer on Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy's opening day on Friday.

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The 31-year-old produced career-best T20 figures of 5/13 in a devastating four-over spell.

Pathan's stupendous bowling display helped Baroda beat Assam by 49 runs.

Assam, reduced to 22 for five in seven overs, had no answer for Pathan's masterful bowling.

He got the ball to move away from the batsman after pitching, which caused plenty of problems for the opposition batsman

The Baroda star's performance means IPL teams should keep an eye out for him ahead of the big auction on February.

More importantly, with the ICC World T20 to be played in India, selectors could be tempted to include him in the side as an all-rounder if consistent performances follow.

Pathan's batting ability also makes him an ideal number seven for Team India.

Though his elder brother Yusuf failed with the bat, he was delighted for Irfan.

Leading from the front excellent Bowling display n leadership well done @IrfanPathan 4/13/5 wickets #keepitup #greatworkethick

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) January 2, 2016

Yusuf also had a motivational message for Irfan.

Work hard and keep moving silently towards the goal always better option Chachu #lifemoto pic.twitter.com/OpNZ7xjRO3 — Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) January 2, 2016

Irfan had earlier picked up five wickets in four Vijay Hazare Trophy outings.

He last represented India on October 2, 2012 in a T20I against South Africa.