It wont be wrong to say that the Indian Premier League (IPL) gave a massive fillip to the career of all-rounder Yusuf Pathan. The way he batted in the first season for Rajasthan Royals then dubbed underdogs and helped them emerge champions didnt go unnoticed,or unrewarded. He took eight wickets and scored 435 runs at a strike rate of 179.01. Since last season,things have changed. Yusuf is now a regular part of the Indian one-day side and has swiftly become an important member of Mahendra Singh Dhonis XI. As Rajasthan Royals get ready for their departure to South Africa,Yusuf Pathan spoke to The Indian Express. Excerpts: Looking back,how has been the last one year for you and the Royals? It has been good,with things gradually going in the right direction. I need to work harder and Im hoping to continue doing well. This year we are financially stronger. You were not too well-known before IPL 1. Things will be different this time. Last season,people didnt know who I was. But now things have changed,expectations are more. It feels good that Im given a responsibility. Expectations will be high again and hopefully it will help me give my best. How do you see an Indian league being played abroad? Were all excited,and the most important point is that cricket is happening. Everybody is eager to perform well,especially as its happening in alien conditions. Well be playing a few games ahead of the event and have a 10-day preparation camp before we play the first game. Will it be tough for domestic players to do well overseas? I think it will be a learning opportunity. The venues are different and conditions wont be the same. Every member in the side will return having gained something from the tournament. Having played in South Africa before,youll have a lot to share with the youngsters in the team? I played the World T20 championship in South Africa. The experience will help,as I have an idea of the conditions there. Of course,Ill share it with the team mates. Sohail Tanvir was instrumental in Royals success last year. Will his absence affect the team this time? Without doubt,Sohail was crucial in the teams win. But if last year it was him,hopefully there will be someone else this time. A team cant rely on an individual; thats not how cricket is played. You and Ravindra Jadeja went on to play for India. Are you expecting more players to move up? Jadeja and I got a place because there was a vacancy in the Indian team. Its a competitive environment and everyone wants to excel. When we went out to play,we never thought about who was watching us and who wasnt. We just went and performed. After the IPL,did you speak to Shane Warne? No I havent,but once I reach South Africa we will sit together and formulate our plans and strategies. Going into the the event as the defending champions,how do you rate your teams chances? We are hoping to continue with the good show. Last time,the all-rounders played a crucial role. Even now when I go out to play,I will be more of an all-rounder than anything else.
