"It was painful but worth the wait. To wait for a recall in the Test team for seven years (he went to Australia in 2007) required patience. Only I know how I used to feel all these years when I would keenly wait for a call-up. Finally, I have been recalled and I feel like the happiest person in the world," the 29-year-old fast bowler told PTI today.
"I have been consistently performing in domestic cricket. Season after season I was picking up 35 plus wickets. Initially, I was upset after I did not get picked by any franchise at the IPL auction but the main motivation was India's tour of England. I knew my bowling suits the conditions in England. I am happy that I have been recognized among top six fast bowlers in India."
So frustrated was this gentle giant that he walked up to the VIP Box during one of the first-class matches this season after getting to know that national selector Roger Binny had come to watch the match.
Pankaj feels that he needs to give equal accent to both pace and swing during the tour of England.
"I have to make use of whatever opportunities I get," said the seamer, who has taken 300 first-class wickets from 77 matches.
"I have the capability of bowling at 140 kmph as well as ability to swing the ball both sides. The English conditions would suit my style of bowling," said Pankaj.