Sending out a stern message to non-performers, the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Monday called back struggling paceman Irfan Pathan midway through the Test series in South Africa.

BCCI Chief Administrative Officer Ratnakar Shetty said the team management and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar had asked Pathan to play in the remaining two rounds of Ranji Trophy domestic cricket tournament.

The Baroda seamer, who was not included in the team for India's first Test against South Africa, disappointed in the preceding one-day series, picking only one wicket in three matches at an economy rate of 6.47.

He scored 55 runs in three innings, which included an unbeaten knock of 47 runs.

BCCI had emphasised before the Test series that non-performers could be called back midway through the series.

BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah had said just as in a home series, a player could be replaced in the touring squad if he continued to fail.