Big-hitting Yusuf eyes T20 World Cup squad berth

Having honed his all-round skills, swashbuckling all-rounder Yusuf Pathan is eyeing a berth in India’s world T20 squad on account of his batting prowess and a good showing during the Ranji season and IPL.

Yusuf, who last played an international T20 for India in March 2012, has been regularly performing for his IPL side Kolkata Knight Riders and making it count for Baroda in the current Ranji season. The 33-year-old all-rounder is sure that he still has a lot to offer to Indian cricket.

“I have had a very good Ranji season this year. If you talk about T20 then I have had a very good IPL season for KKR.

I am bowling well, letting down 9-10 overs in every match (Vijay Hazare), so things are moving in the right direction.

Wickets are coming my way and I am also getting runs when I am batting.

“So obviously I am eyeing a place in the upcoming tournament and that’s the T20 World Cup. And I believe that if I keep performing then I will get an opportunity,” Yusuf told a news agency in an interview.

On his cricketing future, Yusuf said, “I have a lot of cricket left in me and a long road ahead of me. I am just focussed on doing well. Performing to the best of my ability and leave the rest to the almighty. I believe if you keep performing, selectors certainly take notice.

“My aim has always been big and those will remain so till the time I play cricket. I will work harder to achieve my goals. If you do well for your team consistently, the team will always like to take your services and give you an opportunity. So my goal is always to play good cricket and work towards it.”