Irfan Pathan believes his lean patch is only temporary and he will be back to his best sooner than later.

The left-arm paceman could take only six wickets at the cost of 177 runs in the five one-dayers and returned a modest two for 93 in the only Test he played, at St. Lucia, during the recent tour of the West Indies.

"Bad performance in a few matches cannot be taken as failure. A bad phase is part of any sport and I am very confident about improving my performance and doing well in future matches," Pathan said on return from the Caribbean.

The Baroda player has come full circle in a short time, going from an established all-rounder at the start of the season to being dropped for three Tests in the West Indies.

Pathan said the only way to recapture his form would be to go back to the basics.

"I am a bowler first and I want to continue to better my technique. My aim is to capture more wickets and if I do that, I will be back to my best," he said.

Pathan's omission from the Tests was the subject of debate by former cricketers who also criticised the team management's tendency to promote him up the batting order frequently.

The player himself reiterated his full faith in the team management, though.

"I played the role asked by the team management and batted at number three when asked," he said.

"I will do what coach (Greg Chappell) wants me to do."

Pathan said he is looking forward to the triangular series in Sri Lanka in August, which also involves South Africa, and the five-match ODI series against the West Indies in Canada that follows.

"I am gearing up for them. I will attend the camp of the cricket Board where I will do what the coach asks me to do."