Kolkata Knight Riders' Yusuf Pathan Credits Jacques Kallis and Wasim Akram for Changing his Mindset
Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Yusuf Pathan has changed his role from a pinch hitter to a middle order stabiliser. In an exclusive interview to ndtv.com Pathan says how the legends in the Kolkata Team have helped him evolve as a batsman. Here are the excerpts.
Q. How has your role as a batsman changed with Kolkata Knight Riders?
A. I have changed myself according to the situation. As a team, KKR has been playing very well this season. During the run chase, I keep talking to the batsman at the other end, discuss strategies. We tell ourselves that one should play the shots and the other should stay at the wicket. (Yusuf Will do 'Something Special' in IPL: Gambhir)
I have had a good partnership with Andre Russell against Kings XI Punjab. My role was to stay at the crease. We were struggling a bit because of the loss of a few early wickets. My role was to hang in there, wait and watch. I told myself that if Russell got out, I would play my natural game, else would stick on.
Q. Shane Warne used to call you 'blasta' and your role was that of a pinch hitter. But now after eight seasons of IPL, we see you as a hard working middle order batsman. Did someone ask you to change?
A. We have mentors like Jacques Kallis and Wasim Akram who are a big inspiration. I keep talking to them regularly. They tell me to back myself, take chances but be responsible as well. That is what I am trying to do right now. (Just Focusing on My Line and Length: Umesh Yadav)
Even while playing the domestic T20, I was trying to stay on till the end. My aim was to help the team win and I realised that would happen if I stayed on. Kallis and Akram tell me, be there in the middle and play till the end.
Q. As a senior batsman, what inputs do you have in the KKR team meeting?
A. As a senior batsman, I try to take on responsibility. In the last two matches, when I have got the time to settle down, I took my time. I did not hurry. I allowed the other person to take charge.
I knew when time came, I could hit a few sixes but I did not go after the bowlers. I have a certain kind of confidence this season and I am trying to spread that among my team-mates as well as motivate them.
© BCCI
Q. IPL is a platform that many players have used to make a comeback. Are you also thinking on the similar lines?
A. When I played for India for the first time, my IPL performance was taken into account. It is a very good platform for India players to stage a comeback and for the youngsters to get noticed as well.
I want to play for India again and I think this is a good chance that I have got, want to make the most of it. I am working hard to better my performance this season, the hunger to play for India is still in me. I shall do my bit, the rest is upto the Almighty. (KKR Gets a Centurion Spinner in IPL)
Q. What India needs is an all-rounder. Do you think you can fit into that role? Are you also working on your spin bowling?
A. I am bowling a lot in the KKR nets. I have bowled quite a bit during the domestic season. I am working on my bowling as well.
Having a mentor like Wasim Akram helps. I know I will not get to bowl in every match but have not given up bowling in the nets. I am prepared to show my bowling skills when I get an opportunity.
Q. You have contacted Greg Chappell to become the mentor/coach at your academy. Why Chappell and not an Indian coach?
A. Greg's coaching style is very different. He has been a good coach and a good mentor too. I feel that way he prepares the kids right from the start is very impressive.
We wanted to give the kids what we didn't have while growing up. Which is why, thought of getting Greg on board. He not just helps in developing skills of individuals but the mental aspect as well. That is very important in modern day cricket.