Baroda, Dec 6: Back from injury, fast bowler Irfan Pathan has been picked in the Indian side for the remaining two ODIs of the ongoing series against the touring West Indies team. Irfan, who was with his family when he received news of his selection, said that sharing the news with them made the moment all the more special.

The left-arm pacer, who last donned the India jersey in February 2009, was noticed by the selectors thanks to his recent performance in the ongoing domestic Ranji Trophy competition. The Baroda bowler, who has picked 21 wickets from three matches, is the leading wicket-taker in the Elite division so far.

"I am really happy," Irfan was quoted as saying by a cricket website after his inclusion in the Indian team. "I am really pleased that I have been given the opportunity and I want to make sure I take full advantage of it; make sure I do my best.

"The dream to play for the country has always been there. When it is fulfilled you feel nothing gets better than this. Having all the luxuries in life – having a big car, big house – nothing comes close to this," he admitted.

The younger of the Pathan brothers, Irfan was out of contention for a spot in the side for a while due to a severe back injury. The pacer, who has been working hard on his fitness and bowling action since, said the toughest part of the rehabilitation process was not being able to go out there and play cricket.

"[The selection] makes every second of [the rehab] worthwhile. When you look back and you work hard and you get the chance, you feel lucky, you feel blessed."

Speaking about his current form and fitness, Irfan said he had learned to use the old ball much better and picked up the skill of swinging the new ball. "If you get set batsmen out with the old ball, it is most pleasing," he said.

The 27-year-old, who has been in and out of the national squad for a few years, added that he was not taking anything for granted. "Be yourself. Be confident. Do what's best for you. At the end of the day, you need to go out there and perform," he said.