Before the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, Yusuf Khan Pathan was known more as Irfan Pathan's brother rather than a reasonably good all-rounder who had done his bit for Baroda in first-class cricket.
However, after the showpiece event, he suddenly became famous as Yusuf Pathan. He figured in just one match in the championship, but it turned out to be the grand finale against Pakistan. Though he did not do anything extraordinary with the bat or ball, he was a part of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team that defeated the archrival.
Yusuf's fate has changed since then -- in terms of fame as well as finance. Haresh Pandya interviewed Yusuf at length during the recent NKP Salve Trophy day-night Challenger Series in Ahmedabad.
How do you feel being in the lap of luxury almost suddenly after living in obscurity for a pretty long time despite your interesting batting and bowling skills?
It feels really nice. It's great to be recognised. Things have begun to happen so suddenly in my career that I really can't believe whether all this is true! Having said that, I must emphasise that never ever have I underestimated myself, my cricketing talents and my ability as a player to give my best for my team, whether it is Baroda or India .
What do these awards and honours following India's success in the Twenty20 World Cup mean for you?
They mean a lot to me in terms of inspiration, motivation and recognition. But they also make me realise that I've to be more responsible and perform consistently well to justify these awards and honours and live up to people's expectations.
You come from a very humble background. Did you ever imagine that you would be such a famous person in a country of millions of people?
As I just said, I've never doubted my capability as a cricketer. I've always been very confident about my batting and bowling. I've been a steady performer. What I was certain about was that, like Irfan, I would also get to play for the country one day. It was just a matter of time. My friends and family members used to tell me, when watching Irfan in action on television, that I would also play for India alongside him one day.
Wasn't it your dream, too?
Of course, it was. I'm glad it has come true now.
It must have been very hard to play and perform carrying the weight of the Pathan surname. After all, people tend to expect you to play like Irfan most of the time. How do you manage to handle such enormous psychological pressure?
I've the utmost admiration and respect for Irfan for his brilliant talents. He has long proved what he is and what he is capable of doing. But I've never unduly bothered about my surname or the people's expectations of me. I've full confidence in my potential and I always try to play to the best of my ability. I know my limitations, too, but I always try to improve my game.
Has there been a sibling rivalry of sorts between Irfan and you?
No, never. We are totally different players in terms of talents, techniques and styles. Our approach, too, may be a bit different. Rather than any competition or rivalry with my brother, Irfan's exploits for the country have always been a source of motivation and inspiration for me. As far as Irfan is concerned, he has also only praise for me. So there has never been any competition between us.
Besides Irfan's exploits, where else does your motivation come from?
The love, affection and well-wishes of my family, friends and admirers provide me enough motivation. And there can't be a greater motivation than the fact that one wants to play for one's country. Hailing as we do from a very poor background, Irfan and I know what hard work means. My humble origins have also motivated me in the sense that I was determined to earn name and fame for me and my family.
Weren't you surprised when you were included in Team India for the Twenty20 World Cup?
Not really. I think I've the talents and right credentials for cricket's latest version. Besides my all-round talents, my performance was also there. To be honest, I had been hoping to be included in the Indian squad for One-Day Internationals for quite some time when I was picked for the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa. So it didn't come as a surprise.
How did you feel when there was no place for you in the playing eleven until the final? Weren't you getting disappointed or restless?
No. In fact, such thoughts never came to my mind. Our team had been doing well, winning matches regularly and I don't think there was need for any change. In fact, I was thrilled to be sharing the Indian dressing room and travelling with the players in the same coach. I enjoyed every moment of my tour to South Africa with the Indian side. I was treated so well by my teammates, seniors and juniors alike, that I never felt being a newcomer in the squad.
How did it feel when you were at last included in the playing eleven the grand finale against Pakistan in Johannesburg ?
My joy simply knew no bounds, frankly speaking. It was the realisation of a long cherished dream to play for my country. Luckily for me, I was making my India debut when my brother Irfan was already in the team. It was a very special moment, not only for me and Irfan but also for our family. Allah has been very kind to us.
Did Irfan say anything particular to you?
Well, he congratulated me, as did the other members of Team India, and told me to relax and play my natural game. Which is what I did.
How did you feel when India became the champion?
I was on cloud nine. I had many reasons to feel so. It was my very first match for the country, it was the final of the maiden Twenty20 World Cup, it was against our archrival Pakistan and, above all, we won in a sensational manner. What's more, Irfan was declared Man of the Match. So it was an unforgettable debut for me in many ways.
And what about the red-carpet, tumultuous welcome back home?
It was just fantastic. The feeling is yet to sink in. It showed how the Indian people love cricket and cricketers.
There was no place for you in the Indian eleven that took on Australia in the one-off Twenty20 match at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. How did you feel about it?
There was nothing to feel bad about it. It was the best possible eleven the Indian selectors and team management could field, keeping in mind the form of the players. And it was great to see India win that match, too, quite convincingly.
Do you see yourself playing regularly for India in the near future, either in the Twenty20 format or in ODIs, or both?
I never think on these lines. All I know is how to try and give my best to my team. I'm not unaware of the fact that there are plenty of talented young cricketers like me in the country. It isn't that easy to make it to the Indian team. But I'm only 24 and there is no reason why I shouldn't play for India again. In fact, I look forward to representing India in Twenty20 again; and also in ODIs and Tests, God willing. To tell you frankly, I've never been short of confidence, hope and optimism.
How do you assess your own cricketing talents?
I think I'm a decent player who can bat, bowl and field well. I'm very confident of my batting and I'm basically an attacking batsman. I love to strike the ball savagely.
But you don't give the impression of taking your batting that seriously?
No, I do. It's just because my style is such that I may appear to be a bit careless or irresponsible. But it isn't true. The fact is I'm as serious about my batting as I'm about my bowling.
Don't you think you need to work a bit hard on your off-spin bowling?
Yes, of course. I'm aware of my bowling talent but I haven't produced the desired results in terms of taking a number of wickets. I think there is some scope for improvement in my bowling. Maybe I've to be more aggressive, more economic. Maybe I need to flight the ball more, too, given my height.
What is your message for young cricketers like you who are not so lucky as to make it to Team India?
Always have a positive attitude. Never give up hopes. Be optimistic. Wait for the right opportunity and grab it when it comes your way. Keep performing. Talents and performances never go unrewarded.
