Mumbai, Apr 03: Irfan Pathan`s success at the international cricket does not surprise former selection committee chief Chandu Borde, who today said that the Baroda seamer`s talent was quite evident even when he was playing the Ranji Trophy final in Vadodara a couple of years ago. Borde said his colleagues and he had spotted Pathan, who was just 17-years-old then, after he had bowled intelligently in tandeem with Zaheer Khan, who had already made it to the Indian team.

"It was quite clear even then that the lad would make big one day but unfortunately there was no place for him in the Indian team at that time as the seamers` berths were already taken up by Zaheer, Ashish (Nehra) and Ajit (Agarkar)," said Borde, who has been invited to Pakistan to witness the final two Tests of the three-match Indo-Pak Test series.

"However, with his recent performances in Australia and Pakistan, I can confidently say that India has not only found a hard working new ball bowler but also a promising allrounder," Borde told PTI from Pune.

"Infact I was so impressed with the lad that we disscussed his name for a long time when we (selectors) met to pick the side for India`s next international engagement," Borde added.

Praising India`s performance so far on their 40-day tour of Pakistan, Borde said "I am very happy for the players. I am very proud of them as they are living upto the expectation".
Bureau Report