No brotherly love on the field: Yousuf

Cuttack:

They may be brothers at home but India Green's Yousuf Pathan warned there won't be any concession when he takes on younger sibling Irfan, turning out for India Blue, in the ongoing NKP Salve Challenger Trophy at the Barabati Stadium.

"Field pe koi kisika bhai nahin hota (On the field nobody is brother). We are brothers for sure and share a good relationship but that's off the field. We are brothers outside the ground," Yusuf said, relishing at the prospect of taking on Irfan on October 26.

"We share a healthy relationship off the field. Irfan has played a lot of cricket. We exchange notes on where to improve and what to be taken care of... I dedicate my success to my parents, brother, sister. I've been really inspired by them," said the explosive Yousuf.

Despite playing cricket for so long, rarely have they been pitted against each another.

"There's rarely been a rivalry on the field when he bowled and I batted or vice-versa. I don't remember exactly but perhaps two years ago, we played as opponents in a match," said the Baroda all-rounder.

Yousuf, though, is not ready to look beyond the Challenger Trophy.

"Every game is important for me and I take match by match. Currently, I am looking at the first two matches of the tournament and hope to be in the final and play a third match," the 25-year-old said when asked whether he is eyeing the seven-ODI England series in November-December.

Yousuf said it was a great experience having represented Rajasthan Royals, the Indian Premier League champions.

"I had a good outing in the IPL. I could assess my strengths and weaknesses and realised that I have the potential to be a good finisher. It taught me how to approach a particular situation, what your body language should be irrespective of the situation. Cricket, after all, is all about uncertainty. Even one run or a wicket can make a difference," said the hard-hitting batsman.

"I have worked well on my batting and bowling when Australia A toured India. I just have to repeat that. I don't have to do anything new for this (Challenger) series," Yusuf concluded.