Pathan proves Cup fitness

Irfan Pathan has been cleared to play for India in their World Cup campaign © Getty Images

Irfan Pathan has been declared fit for the World Cup next month after turning out in a domestic Deodhar Trophy match on Sunday.

The left-arm seamer returned figures of 2-48 in 8.4 overs for West Zone against Central Zone in a one-day game, prompting chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar to confirm the 22-year-old's place in the squad for the Caribbean.

“Irfan's trip to West Indies is certain,” he told reporters at the game. “There is no alteration in the 15 players who were selected for the World Cup.”

However, Vengsarkar warned that Pathan will need much more game time before the start of the tournament on March 13.

“It is very difficult to gauge anybody's fitness in such a short time. Irfan has not played for the last one month and needs to bowl more.

“There is not much time left for the World Cup and Pathan will be bowling in the nets and will also be playing in the warm up matches (in West Indies) before the World Cup begins.”

India are due to play Netherlands and hosts West Indies in practice matches prior to the start of the competition, which sees them drawn in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bermuda.