Yusuf Pathan, who played in his first international match against Pakistan at the final of India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup, is known for his exceptional performances during big matches.
This time around, he is leading Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury by a substantial margin at the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district as a Trinamool Congress candidate.
Yusuf’s political entry came surprisingly but still remains to be a sportsman image while serving his constituency.
Mamata Banerjee’s decision to field Yusuf against Chowdhury in an area with large Muslim population has paid off.
Though BJP’s Nirmal Chandra Saha challenged him and called him an outsider, Yusuf has embraced it citing often repeating that “Khela Hobe” (I am up for a fight) slogan of TMC.
His journey in cricketing is about persistence and devotion.
Both Irfan and himself had to face many adversities while growing up in Vadodara. Their father Mehmood Khan Pathan was dedicate muezzin who tried teaching them discipline and faith.
Especially powerful hitting skills were develop by Yusuf under local coach Mehendi Sheikh.
“Uparwale ka rahem, karam bolein (Call this God’s mercy, blessings), I always feel that I am for big matches, moments,” Yusuf had said after accepting TMC’s offer to switch to politics.
“I just have to bat for them. I don’t want to become a politician. And I want to keep my image of a sportsperson intact. But after winning, I will work for my constituency and will make sure that I spend at least eight days in a month there,” he had promised.
He was however able to establish himself as one of India’s key players in shorter formats within three years of making his first appearance at the international level, unlike his younger brother.
He was part of the team led by MS Dhoni that won the 2011 ODI World Cup.
However, his most memorable moments came in the IPL, where he captivated fans with a scintillating 37-ball century against Mumbai Indians in 2010. And played a key role in Rajasthan Royals’ title-winning campaign in 2008.
Although Yusuf Pathan had scored at least four hundred runs at an average strike rate of one hundred seventy-nine point one (179.01) and took eight wickets. While participating all matches in two thousand and eight (2008).
Pathan left RR for KKR where he featured for seven consecutive years.
Yusuf has been unable to play any tests for India till date but now has a chance as far as politics is concerned.
With his resolution and commitment to serving his constituency. Yusuf Pathan is destined to make a significant impact as a politician.
