The tall, well-built and bearded Yusuf Pathan was a prominent figure in the Baroda practice session at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here on Tuesday. Later, his shirt soaked in sweat, Yusuf shared his thoughts with the media.
The 32-year-old hard-hitting batsman and handy off-spinner was optimistic about Baroda’s prospects against host Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy contest beginning Thursday.
He said: “We lost the last two Ranji matches at the hands of Tamil Nadu, so according to the law of averages we should win this time. We are confident and have a blend of experience and youth.
“Tamil Nadu is a strong team and it is good to begin our campaign against such a side. We do not yet know what kind of pitch would be used. But we are well prepared. It is always good to start well so that we have momentum going into the season,” he added.
Irfan to miss gameYusuf revealed his brother and pace-bowling all-rounder Irfan Pathan would not play the game. “He has some personal issues, some family matters to handle. He will be there for the next game.”
Ambati Rayudu, a part of the Indian team for the Twenty20 series against South Africa and then the ODIs, will not be available for the first few games.
Yusuf, who last played for the country in the T20 and ODI formats in 2012, said he was confident of representing India again. “I have the game to play for India. The hope and belief are very much there. I want to make an impact this season.”
The all-rounder was aiming to make the cut for the ICC World T20 to be held in the country next year. “I have been thinking about the tournament for quite some time. It will be a big event. I had a good season for Kolkata Knight Riders in the last IPL. I have a lot of confidence in my game. Hope to continue doing well and get picked for India.”
MaturedYusuf said he had matured as a batsman. “I can play the waiting game, get set and then go after the bowling. Being attacking always helps. You put the opposition under pressure.”
At the nets, Yusuf bowled quite a lot of deliveries. “I have been working on my off-spin. I enjoy bowling and the challenge that comes with it.”
Talking about the India-South Africa T20 series, he said, “de Villiers is a very good batsman but it would be a mistake to focus only on him. South Africa has several good players. It is a fine all-round side. India is a very capable team too.”
Talking about Virat Kohli’s aggressive brand of captaincy, Yusuf said: “It is always good when a captain plays to win.”
