Its home run for Irfan Pathan

Vadodara: Local hero Irfan Pathan will for the first time play a one-day international at his homeground on Saturday.

Having played well for the country in other cities and different parts of the world, Pathan will play in the India and Sri Lanka match, the last one day of the series.

There is an air of excitement, as people of Vadodara wait to see their hero play at home.

The Bhutadi Jhampa cricket ground in the city, is where Pathan began his cricketing career.

Coach Mehndi Shaikh, who has been training Pathan from the age of 12, says he will surely continue to improve as a bowler and batsman.

Shaikh added that he has seen Pathan play and improve his skills on this ground. He further said "Pathan will surely play well in tomorrows match".

Although the Pathan family has learnt to live with his popularity, they are all very excited, as they will see him play an international match for the first time at his home ground.