I enjoy batting for longer periods, says Yusuf Pathan – Cricket News Update
Indian all-rounder, Yusuf Pathan, is confident of his ability to bat for long periods and insists that he can prove his mettle in any format of the game.
The player is one of the explosive hitters in World Cricket but his form with the Men In Blue has been mediocre lately. The 2011 World Cup as well the subsequent series against West Indies saw unimpressive performances from Pathan.
With a wealth of talent in the batting position, he has often been restricted to coming in late for the Indians and adding quick runs. However, the player is keen on removing such tags and feels that he can bat at any position, provided he is given the chance.
"I can play at any position. If the team management wants me to bat up the order, I am ready for it," Yusuf told the Times of India. "Whenever I spent time in the middle, I have made it count. Last year, I scored a match-winning hundred against New Zealand
and then scored another hundred against South Africa. Besides, I have also scored big hundreds in Ranji and Duleep Trophy over the years. I enjoy batting for long periods."
To his credit, the player has performed well in the domestic first-class circuit, where he is averaging a healthy 41.38 with the best of 210 not out, which guided West Zone to chase down 536 against South Zone. Also, his ability to bowl gives him a added
edge over many of his teammates.
Despite such efforts, he has always been seen as player who has the ability to accelerate the innings in the later part of the game, a role which he has commendably played for his club and country over the past few years.
However, the 28-year-old is also targeting the longer version of the game and feels that he can easily adapt to the changes and does not want everyone to look at him as a One-Day specialist.
For now, the player will play in the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy for India Red, hoping to perform well and get into the reckoning.