Irfan feels he still has to deliver a lot ...

Irfan Pathan is brimming with confidence. Whether it is his game or his newly-learnt driving skills, he's raring to go.

After his return from South Africa, Irfan Pathan has maintained a studied silence. However miffed he is by recent reports on his performance, he chooses to keep a distance from media and would rather not explain himself.

But the ice is finally melted when he puts everything off his mind for half an hour of fun with brother Yusuf Khan Pathan.

Humming a perfect rendering of 'Chalo re doli uthao kahar...' he begins his interview with "I have always dreamt of playing with Yusuf. This dream came true this year. That Ranji match will forever be special though we didn't realise it at the time we played it. We shared 15 wickets between us."

If anything, the criticism over his performance has only strengthened his spirit: "I believe one should work hard, have fun and enjoy life. I don't want any regrets in life... that I didn't give it my best. I don't want to tell my grandchildren I gave up, I wasn't good enough."

That is why, Pathan says, "It's important to have confidence in yourself. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to sound overconfident or brash. I just believe in not underestimating myself. My core values in life are intact... I still have the fire; I know where I want to be."

This never-say-die spirit, says Pathan, has come from "the kind of childhood I have had. It was always home, family and the mosque. I have never seen the other side of the city, forget hearing of a thing called the nightclub. As children we were very grounded and the constant advise from my parents was: Always be kind to people who are less privileged than you."

Is marriage on cards? References to 'doli' and 'grandchildren' have left us wondering. "No, not now. I am committed.

To cricket." And then he chuckles softly, "The song? Well, I was just trying to show you that I can sing as well. As for marriage, my mom is very clear: Till 25, we will focus on our careers." With that, he packs off for home: "It's Friday. I have to say my prayers." And then he adds as an afterthought: "By the way, I learnt to drive a car recently. I got my license three months ago."