Pathan is a bowler, let him remain a bowler: Waqar Younis

New Delhi, Oct 9 (UNI) Batting, and not bowling, is Irfan Pathan's bane and Team India need to decide whether they want the left-arm seamer to wield the willow or take wickets, Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis said today.

''Trust me, there's nothing wrong with Irfan's bowling. He's such a fine and talented bowler,'' Waqar said during a media interaction here today.

''It's the unnecessary attempts to make a batsman out of him, that are undoing him. I mean there's no harm in grooming him as an allrounder. But, to make him bat at No 3 time and again is certainly too much of an asking.

''If you are coming six or seven down, no problem as you tend to chip in with few runs. But batting one down regularly and that too when you're the main strike bowler, it will certainly take a toll on you,'' he said adding, ''He's a bowler. Let him remain a bowler.'' Waqar, who joined as Pakistan bowling coach during the recent tour of England, also said India should appoint such a consultant if need be.

''The kind of competition we are witnessing these days, any help you can get from anywhere should be welcomed. You should get it if it helps.'' He said he helped Pakistan bowlers work on their basics and the improvement was there to be seen.

''The number of extras we used to give away has been reduced drastically. I told them that bowling no balls was a crime. Besides I stressed on the need of aggression and playing on the batsman's mind,'' he said.

He heaped praise on Mohd Asif and said the youngster was not only supremely talented but a quick learner of the game as well.

''He is extra-ordinary. I've not seen too many gifted bowlers like him. Not only that he's got brains too and catches things very quickly. He even surprises me sometimes with his ability.'' On Shoaib Akhtar, he said the injury-prone Rawalpindi bowler just needed to work on his fitness.

''I just let him free. There's no problem with his bowling, the problem is with his fitness,'' Waqar said.

He said variation was going to be the key on flat wickets during the Champions Trophy in India.

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