Former Pakistan fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz has no doubt that the increased use of Irfan Pathan [Images] as a top order batsman would take away his bowling potential in time to come.

"Pathan is a brilliant up and coming bowler, but if he is made to bat higher up the order, his bowling would fall away," said Sarfaraz.

"I can understand that Indians are imagining him to be another Kapil Dev [Images], but they don't realise that the latter batted at number six and seven and was not made to apply himself as is being done in Pathan's case."

The discovery of Pathan's batting ability in recent months has been nothing less than startling with two of his impressive efforts coming at the top of the order.

Pathan first made 83 coming in at number 3 in the Nagpur one-day international against Sri Lanka [Images] in October and then scored an impressive 90-odd as an opener in the Kotla Test against the same opponents.

Sarfaraz feels Pathan has not yet developed enough as a bowler for him to dilute his focus.

"It would hurt him in future and the Indian team who are looking at him to spearhead the attack.

"At best he should look to come out and enjoy himself at number six or seven. The top order must do what is expected of them."

Nawaz is also critical of Ajit Agarkar [Images], whom he terms as somebody who is trying to restructure his bowling completely.

"When Ajit started, he was an out-swing bowler with a decent pace. I now see him only bringing it in to the batsmen.

"If you want to bowl an in-swinger, it is important you use the crease brilliantly. Otherwise, you would be picked up by batsmen all the time," Sarfaraz said.

"It seems he is putting no thought in his bowling, just going back to his mark, running up, bowling and then again retracing his steps. There is no imagination."

Nawaz, who picked 177 wickets during his illustrious career and is widely regarded as pioneer of modern-day Pakistan fast bowling, also feels that Agarkar is more intent on bowling maiden overs rather than trying to take wickets.

"He is very defensive in his methods. Two or three deliveries in his over are way beyond the off-stump. He must realise that if you are defensive, you would never be able to achieve something big. You've got to take your chances to be what you want in your life."

Pathan claimed one wicket for 133 from 32 overs in the Lahore [Images] Test while Agarkar's return was 2 for 122 from 24 overs.

Pathan has been impressive of late, picking 28 wickets from 5 Tests before the Lahore Test. However, Agarkar has claimed only five scalps in his last four Tests.