Mumbai, Feb 20: Big hitting all-rounder Yusuf Pathan is all geared up to play the Inter-State One-day League that begins on February 22. Turning out for Baroda in the West Zone, the older of the Pathan brothers is positive that his performances will help him find his way back into the national squad too.
Yusuf’s spoke to the media ahead of the encounter against Mumbai at the Wankhede stadium. Excerpts:
On the importance of the tournament in view of the Asia Cup
Ranji Trophy [and other] domestic cricket is always important. I am playing after a long time so it is very important and I’m very excited about it.
On getting back into the Indian team like brother Irfan
I will perform well. Irfan is playing after a long time and is performing well also. When I start playing I will perform well and hopefully come back [...]. Depending on the need, players are included in the team by the team management. So it is also up to the selectors to decide the team combination. [...]
On crucial, quickfire innings going unnoticed when one looks at the scorecard
It does happen that in the last two or three overs you get to bat and there isn’t much of an opportunity [to score big runs]. You make 15 or 30 runs in 12 balls and it is not noticed, but the team needs it. Those runs are crucial for the team but I haven’t thought about it; I’m never frustrated that I get only 12 balls or an over to play or get out while hitting […] I have always played for the team. These things happen when you are batting down the order and get fewer balls to play.
On coping with his absence from the national team
It is difficult but I was out due to injury and I spent time at the NCA as well. I utilised the time to learn a lot of things and worked on my fitness. Now at the domestic team, our coach S Kumar is very good and very experienced so I get to learn a lot from him as well.
On the Baroda side
It is a young team and the coach is very happy with it. I haven’t been with the team for some time. There are young players who have played Ranji Trophy last season and this season. It’s a good mix of players; there are a few from Under-22 and Under-19 cricket as well. It is good for the future.
On bearing responsibility for the side
I’ve always been playing for Baroda. Irfan and I have contributed to the team and the team depends on us to an extent. We take it positively. It’s a challenge for us to perform for the team and we have done it.
On whether this was good match practice for IPL
This is not match practice. This a proper match. It is organized by the BCCI. It is a big tournament for the youngsters as well as the senior players. It is a big tournament.
On the difference between 50-over and 20-over matches
You get a lot of time in a 50-over match; there is more pressure in Twenty20 and the decisions need to be quicker. It is quite different.
On the World Cup T20 later this year
We will play good cricket. A lot of cricket is still to be played. There are still a few domestic tournaments, there are India tours and then the IPL and after that the World Cup. There is still a lot of time to improve on things.
On whether he was fully fit now
Yes, completely and so I am here. The trainers and physios at the NCA have helped me a lot.
