Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has been in fine form in the ongoing domestic season as he is currently helping his side in the Vijay Hazare trophy.
The hard hitting right handed batsman looked mightily pleased with his Baroda team as they have managed to reach the semi-finals of the tournament after beating strong Karnataka side in the tournament. The 34-year old had quickly caught up with Indian Express after the game to express his views and plans for the remainder of the season.
Baroda were the underdogs going into the game as Karnataka are arguably the strongest side in the tournament despite missing the likes of KL Rahul and Karun Nair. Yusuf Pathan has expressed his delight for the team as they did exceptionally well to reach the semi-finals.
“Robin Uthappa and Mayank Agarwal gave them a substantial start. With 60-70 runs in first 10 overs, we could feel the heat. But the way Lukman Meriwala and Atit Seth bowled and provided us with the breakthroughs it helped us come back in the game. Also, much credit goes to Irfan for keeping things tight and regulating the bowlers,” said Pathan.
“In the end, it feels good to beat a team like Karnataka, especially when their side has players like Robin, Manish Pandey, Vinay Kumar and Stuart Binny. The way Kedar (78), Krunal (70) and Deepak batted that was exceptional. Now everybody needs to give their best in the upcoming matches,” Yusuf added further.
Earlier in the year, Yusuf Pathan has expressed his interest in participating in Hong Kong Blitz and has requested the board on the same but BCCI has refused to give NOC. The player looked to move on as he said that he had no regrets on the issue.
“I have no regrets of being denied to participate in the Hong Kong Blitz. It is a part of past now and we should stop thinking about it. Let’s not think more of it as I am concentrating on future now. With so many tournaments coming up in India, one does not have to focus on foreign tournaments,” quoted Yusuf Pathan.
Yusuf Pathan also believes that he is finding the right groove ahead of Indian Premier League after playing a number of games in a domestic season in succession despite missing few games at the start of the season. The Baroda batsman is also confident of delivering for KKR this season.
“I missed a couple of games in the starting, however, I have managed to get some runs under my bat. I think match practice is the best way to improve one’s fitness. I have been a part of Kolkata Knight Riders for a long time and I look forward to delivering for them,” he conceded.