Yusuf Pathan

Dhaka: Yusuf Pathan got his international career to a great start with a six in the first over of World Twenty20 final at the Wanderers. The 25-year-old continued his Twenty20 form in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) — 435 runs with four fifties at a strike rate of 179 — for Rajasthan Royals.

Success, though, hasn’t been smooth in one-day Internationals. Yusuf, promised to fulfil the expectations during a free-wheeling chat with The Telegraph.

The following are excerpts

The start to his one-day career

My performance has been average… The start hasn’t been very encouraging... But I am confident things will fall into place and I will be able to meet expectations. There will be no let up in my efforts… Baki sab Allah ke hath mein.

If he deserved the break early on

That is up to the selectors. I cannot do much about it.

On what kept him going after being overlooked by the selectors

I’ve always believed my job is to perform and my time will come. I kept performing in the domestic circuit. Every match, be it domestic or international, is a big motivation. That keeps me going.

Playing with Irfan (the second after the Amarnath brothers to play for India)

Not just Irfan, I enjoy playing with everyone. Be it on the field or off it, my teammates always help me to perform better. I’ve played along with Irfan from an early age and it’s nothing new… Too much is being read into it. I realise it’s significant in the context of international cricket, but to me, it’s no great feeling. We get along well… Having him around on tours mean we can go out together for namaaz on Fridays or for some other common cause… But make no mistake, my teammates are as close and dear to me as Irfan.

If the Pathans dream to make it big like the Chappell and the Waugh brothers

I think it’s too early to talk about such big names… They are legends in their own right. We obviously want to make a name for ourselves and that would be a huge achievement if the dream comes true… But I’ve just started my career and would first want to concentrate on cementing my place in the side. The rest will follow…

The secret of success in the IPL

It’s not that I performed only in the IPL. I’ve doing well in the domestic circuit too for the last couple of years. It’s only that I drew much attention after the IPL. Maybe because of the presence of so stars in the tournament…

Playing under Shane Warne’s captaincy and coaching for Rajasthan Royals

He is a great in his own right but a very humble person. His presence and approach makes a huge difference. He didn’t change our game but stressed on everyone playing their natural game… He gelled well with the side and the results are there for everyone to see.

His idol

Sachin Tendulkar and others… Personally, playing with Sachin has been a big thing. Kapil Dev is also someone whom I admire… Most of I t was watching him on TV during the growing up years…

His best cricketing moment so far

Obviously playing the final and being part of the World Twenty20 team. Nothing can match it… The IPL success will fade in comparison. The feeling is entirely different when you are representing the country.

His target

To improve and perform in international cricket… Everything else will fall into place.