Critics have often lashed out at his susceptibility against short balls but dashing Baroda all-rounder Yusuf Pathan is confident that he will be able to overcome the technical deficiencies that bothered him during the first phase of his One-day International and T20 career.
"I have worked hard on my technique and ready to grab the opportunity that has come my way," Yusuf, who has made a comeback in the national team for the first two ODIs.
Asked whether he is still bothered about short-pitched stuff, Yusuf said, "In modern cricket the opposition team also devises a gameplan to get a batsman out. Despite the rival bowlers' planning, I have been scoring runs consistently in domestic cricket. I have scored 195 (138 balls) against Haryana, also had a good Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 outing which means I have been scoring runs."
Yusuf has scored 295 runs in three Ranji Trophy games and has also taken 14 wickets with his off-breaks including a 10-wicket haul.
"I have always taken my bowling seriously and have got the results," the all-rounder, who has scored 376 runs and taken 21 wickets in 37 ODIs, said.
Yusuf last played for the country in a Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe in Harare on June 13.
Asked how difficult it is for a cricketer to make a comeback after being dropped, the all-rounder said, "One shouldn't lose heart and keep working hard and performing. My aim was to perform consistently and wait for my chance.
"I am hopeful about doing well in the coming matches also," he added.
The elder of the Pathan brothers is not ready to lose his sleep over his selection for the upcoming World Cup. India's No. 7 slot is still not confirmed as the main fight will be between Yusuf and Saurashtra all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
"I don't want to think about the World Cup now. My focus is on the current series. When you start thinking too far ahead, you start putting unnecessary pressure on yourself," he concluded.
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