IPL 10: Want to play longer innings, says Yusuf Pathan

The Kolkata Knight Riders team is undoubtedly the most settled team in the ongoing edition of the IPL as well. All their batsmen have been among the runs which is a big positive. The likes of Yusuf Pathan and Suryakumar Yadav were not getting their time at the crease in the first few games. However, in the last few matches, they have managed to get their chances.

While Suryakumar Yadav has failed to capitalize on his chances, it is Yusuf Pathan who has been a massive revelation. The season has apparently been his second coming in the cricket world. In the last game against the Delhi Daredevils, Pathan smashed a quick fifty that set the stage for KKR’s win in the match. Pathan and Manish Pandey added 110 run for the 4th wicket to help KKR move to the top of the points table.

Recently, as per the quotes in the Sportstarlive, Yusuf Pathan spoke at length about his form, his love for the Knight Riders and plans for the upcoming clash against the Gujarat Lions. He was asked whether what changed his game so much. Pathan is surely looking a very composed and calm customer at the crease. The all-rounder quoted that nothing has changed in his game. The only thing is his intent to play longer innings.

“My game hasn’t changed. I have got more overs to play now, like 12-14. So keeping that in mind, my shots won’t change, but at the same time I would look to play longer innings. I am enjoying a lot,” he quoted.

A startling exclusion from the playing eleven of the Knight Riders setup is Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. When asked about the reason for benching Shakib, Yusuf Pathan noted that it is more of the team management call and he has very little call in the team combinations.

“The coach and captain will take a call. If you say we cannot fix one slot (opening), we are doing well in all other slots. There are a lot of positives to take from. The more we will play, combinations will be forged. The coach and captain are thinking over opening slot and they will come out with a solution,” quoted the all-rounder.

The next game for the Knight Riders is the one against Gujarat Lions. They will be hosting the Lions at the Eden Gardens in their third home game of the season. The last time these two teams met, KKR had beaten GL by 10 wickets. However, Pathan does not take them lightly. Also, playing against the state that he belongs is not a concern for him. He calls him all for KKR now.

“There is no weak team, in any competition, in any sport. All teams compete against each other and every team wants to win. There are two-three teams in every competition that despite their efforts don’t do so well. That doesn’t make them a weak team,” he quoted.

“I have played for KKR for seven years. Gujarat has been in IPL for two years. I am all for KKR now and will give my best for KKR. They are also my people, Kolkata people are also my own,” Pathan added further.

Reflecting back at the previous game, Yusuf Pathan remarked that he regrets getting out at the crucial juncture. He wished that he should have finished the game for his team because he was the settled customer at the crease along with Manish Pandey.

“I should have finished the match (against Delhi). It’s not easy for the new batsman to continue the good work straight away. In the last match, after batting so well, I got out, which was a crime. I will try not to repeat the same mistake,” the senior Pathan conceded.