"I am all set to perform and make a comeback" - Yusuf Pathan Interview

“I focus on improving my game rather than superstitious elements”

Yusuf Pathan will be leading the young Baroda brigade for the knockout Quarterfinal Ranji match against Mumbai. He is an explosive batsman who is best known for his ability to hit huge sixes. Through the domestic season, he is aiming to make a comeback to the Indian Team.

Are you enjoying your role as the captain of the Baroda team?

Yes, I am enjoying the responsibility. We have a young team and everyone is fulfilling their role quite well.

Is there any pressure, as you will be up against Mumbai?

Mumbai is obviously a great side and has many big names playing for it. We, on the other side, have a very young team where some of the players are playing their first or second season. All we have to do is play our best game and enjoy on the field.

Where are Munaf Patel and Irfan Pathan?

They both are out because of injuries. Irfan made a century in our first domestic match and took some crucial wickets for us and he is definitely being missed. He was with me in NCA, Bangalore and is still doing his rehab. Munaf too is nursing an ankle injury.

Sachin is playing in the Mumbai team. What would it be like, playing against him?

It is going to be good playing against someone as great as him. Many young players will cherish this for their whole life, having played against a cricketing God.

Do you think this match will be your way back to the Indian side if you perform well?

Well, I need to perform well in all the matches in order to get back to the Indian team and not only this particular one. I have been out because of an injury but now I am all set to perform and make a comeback.

Do you think this Wankhede stadium is lucky for you since you won the World Cup and scored a century once during Deodhar Trophy?

Well, wherever one scores runs, it becomes a lucky ground and wherever one does not, it becomes unlucky. I focus on improving my game rather than these superstitious elements.

How many bowlers are you planning to play on this Wankhede pitch?

I think it’s going to be 3 bowlers but I will take the final call tomorrow only.

How do you balance your natural attacking instincts in the four-day format?

I have been able to curb my natural aggressive instincts whenever I have been required to for my match. For that, I have practised a lot in the nets and in four day matches like these, I know how important my wicket is and therefore I play according to the situation.