IPL 2017: Yusuf Pathan won’t change style of play, even when under pressure

Yusuf Pathan is confident about his skills despite not getting selected in the Indian cricket team. He believes Kolkata Knight Riders can win matches in the Indian Premier League as long as he is at the crease.

Yusuf Pathan wants to finish games like he did for the Kolkata Knight Riders against Delhi Daredevils but the star batsman won’t change his flamboyant style of batsmanship.

Yusuf Pathan guided Kolkata Knight Riders to a win against Delhi Daredevils with a 39-ball 59 in their 2017 Indian Premier League match at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi on April 17. (BCCI)

“There was a lot of pressure (against DD), but I just wanted to play my natural game. You will always get out at some point, be it in the first ball or in the 40th ball. But it’s about playing my shots and making the balls count,” Pathan said.

On his own admission, Pathan feels that he is a special talent, who need not compete with anyone but focus on his own game.

“Everyone has some special talents, and I am also special in my way. I don’t want to compete with anyone. I want to prove myself with my performance on the field,” Pathan said with a lot of conviction.

So does he harbour hopes of an India comeback with so many ahead of him for those couple of slots in the middle- order?

“It does not matter to me who’s ahead of me (in representing India). I consider myself as a special talent,” Pathan said.

Having scored 39-ball-59 against Delhi Daeredevils, the India discard proved why he is so highly rated in the Kolkata Knight Riders ranks despite his game-changing knocks being few and far in between.

“I have to back my talent. It does not take time for things to change. If I continue to perform well, at some point I will get an opportunity if not today then tomorrow,” Pathan seemed positive that he may once again don the India blues.

“I don’t want to look at others. My job is to play good cricket and the start has been good this time. I should be satisfied with my cricket and be prepared whenever I get a chance,” he said.

Pathan refused to agree his style has changed but says he’s keen to finish off games now.

“Having played for so long, you are aware of your team’s strength. If you are set, it’s all about finishing the game. It’s about setting a precedent for the youngsters in the team as well. They should also get an opportunity to learn. It’s about winning comfortably.”

Pathan believes that as long as he is at the crease, KKR can win matches.

“I think as long as I am at the crease, the team will win comfortably. In the past, I have seen the team has gone on to lose the match after I got out. All these things, I have brought some changes in my game. It’s about playing shots.”

This boy is growing up so fast... already 3 n loves cutting the cake #love #nephew @iamyusufpathan pic.twitter.com/jFTYHMJkgD

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 17, 2017