Yusuf eyes place in India's Test squad

Chennai:

Yusuf Pathan's game is tailor-made for cricket's shorter formats, but the all-rounder says he is backing himself to make it to the Indian Test squad as well.

"Every cricket player has the dream to play Test cricket. In fact, everyone wants to play all formats of the game. I am also looking forward to it. But I think there is still time for that to happen," he said.

"I am practicing well and also giving priority to the domestic cricket, which will help me gain more confidence for playing Test matches," Pathan added.

Yousuf, who made his ODI debut against Pakistan at Dhaka last year, thinks the Test matches still attracts enough spectators and said, "It is not that people don't watch a Test match".

On India's prospect in the coming Champions Trophy, he said every member of the team was focused on the tournament.

"We are playing well... If we keep doing well, our chances will also improve. Everyone is practicing well and fully focused," he said.

On left-hand opening batsman Gautam Gambhir, Pathan said, "It is not a big surprise to me that he is at the number one spot in the ICC Test ranking now. He has performed well in recent time".

Speaking on his fitness, the cricketer said, "In fact, currently I am stronger than before and practicing hard to improve my game."