Irfan Pathan: Hat-Trick Hero and Key Figure in 2007 T20 World Cup

Irfan Pathan is remembered as one of India's most effective fast bowlers of his era. His career includes a historic Test hat-trick and a decisive role in India's first T20 World Cup triumph.

Pathan was born on October 27, 1984, in Vadodara, Gujarat. He came from a family with limited financial resources, and his father worked as a muezzin at a mosque. Even so, he developed a deep love for cricket as a child. He and his elder brother Yusuf Pathan regularly played on a ground near the mosque.

His early promise was recognised when he was selected for the India Under-15 team. He impressed with his bowling there and soon earned a spot in the Under-19 team. Back home, his swing bowling in domestic cricket attracted the attention of selectors.

Pathan made his Test debut on Australian soil. Although his first Test was not particularly memorable for him, he gradually established himself with consistent performances. His ODI debut followed in 2004, also against Australia.

The most memorable moment of his career arrived in 2006 against Pakistan in a Test match. Pathan dismissed three batsmen in three consecutive deliveries to complete a hat-trick. He became the first Indian fast bowler to achieve this feat in Test cricket.

His batting also grew in importance over time. At the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, Pathan was one of India's biggest weapons with the ball. In the final against Pakistan, he bowled four overs, conceding only 16 runs and claiming three wickets. That spell helped India win the title for the first time.

Throughout his career, Pathan took 100 wickets in 29 Test matches and scored 1,105 runs. In 120 ODIs, he collected 173 wickets and made 1,544 runs. In 24 T20 Internationals, he took 28 wickets and scored 172 runs.