'13 flights, 17 matches, two finals and one trophy in 26 days' - Pathan brothers share their RSWS, LLC journey

The Indian team are currently sweating on the fitness levels of some of their star players and with the T20 World Cup approaching, they might look at some of the most in-form players, and they might even turn their attention to some players who have retired from the international game. All jokes aside, some players have really stood the test of time and are still going strong after quitting international cricket. The men in question, Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan, one of the few cricketing siblings to have donned the Indian jersey during their heydays, rolled back the years in the last 28 days. 

The Pathan brothers were seen in action not only for the India Legends in the second edition of the RSWS but were also crucial to the Bhilwara Kings' run to the finals of the recently concluded Legends League Cricket tournament. While the India Legends secured their second consecutive RSWS title on the back of the duo's heroics, Irfan's Bhilwara Kings came up short in the final of the LLC 2022 against Gautam Gambhir's India Capitals.

The current ecosystem has witnessed several injuries to cricketers, sighting an overload of fixtures. But Irfan and Yusuf proved their mental and physical fortitude over the last month, participating in 17 matches over the course of 28 days. If the matches weren't hectic enough, the duo had to endure the cumbersome journey to each venue via numerous flights and road journeys.

Despite all those off-field frenetic journeys, the Pathan brothers gave every ounce of their body in the matches. Yusuf, the elder Pathan, finished as the second-highest run-getter for Bhilwara Kings and fifth-highest overall in the second edition of the LLC. He marmalized the bowlers in his typically brutal style, striking at 182.40.

Despite being out of regular practice Yusuf didn't hesitate in participating in both RSWS and LLC when Irfan told him that both events will happen simultaneously.

We did a lot of training and used to prepare for 5-6 hours per day: Yusuf Pathan

"It all started when Irfan informed me that two tournaments (RSWS and LLC) will happen simultaneously and we have to take part in both of them. We decided to take part and mentally prepared to participate simultaneously in RSWS and LLC. There were a lot of difficulties and something like this never happened before", said Yusuf.

Playing both tournaments turned out to be as arduous as Yusuf Pathan had anticipated initially but rigorous practice and ample support from the physios in both franchises helped them to overcome all odds.

"We did a lot of training and used to prepare for 5-6 hours per day. Pritesh, Manan, Physios, and other support staff helped a lot in both franchises - India Legends and Bhilwara Kings. We had two impressive tournaments and had successful outings in both batting and bowling. There was a time when we used to wait for 5-6 hours for a flight and go directly to the venue from the airport."

"It was a surreal experience and I personally enjoyed it a lot. It was a good experience to play franchise cricket for the first time with Irfan."

His younger brother wasn't too far off either, as he played some handsome cameos for his side in the lead-up to the finale. He was the third-highest run-getter for his side in this year's tournament. It was their trailblazing innings in the eliminator against Gujarat Giants, that saw the Kings storm into the finals of the unique competition. 

Remember 7-8 matches we played, on a same day, we travelled for 2-2.5 hours flight: Irfan Pathan

"It was the toughest journey as far as the travel is concerned. Playing two leagues was obviously not easy when I signed up for this. But without the support of Sachin Paji, both league owners, our franchise owner Riju, it wouldn't have been possible," said Irfan.

"It was very very difficult. I remember that 7-8 matches we played, on a same day, we travelled for 2-2.5 hours flight. And on top of that as well, on some occasions, because of the rain, the flight, the smaller aircraft which we were taking, it was getting delayed nearly every day."

"One day, we remember, it was a semi-final game in Raipur. We were coming from Cuttack. It was 2-odd hours of flight. But we were there at the airport since morning. 6 hours at the airport plus flight and then we played the game. It was tough on the body. But me and my brother Yusuf bhai decided that we are gonna think as if we are practising every day, not like matches. Because if we keep our mind relaxed, then that would definitely affect our body and it did you know."

"Obviously with the great help of all the physio of both teams and my personal physio Ashish, it really worked out and we played all the games. Not just played you know, we made the difference in few matches as far as our performances are concerned. Playing two trophies, winning one, the other one in the final."

"It's the most pleasing journey I can remember for a very long period of time. I know it's retired players league but it was so pleasing to just get through so many matches. Nearly 17 matches, in 26 days and 13 flights in different cities. It was outstanding. A journey to remember. Very grateful because it is not an easy task what we did. 

I know that workload has to be managed. But good thing is, everything was managed nicely with the great help of all the people who were involved in helping us out, and at the same time, our mind made our body even more stronger."

While Yusuf was doing his thing in the LLC, it was Irfan who put his hands up for the India Legends in the semi-finals of the 2022 RSWS against Australia Legends. The former Indian all-rounder, who was regarded as one of the most skillful players to have emerged through the ranks, stated the obvious, bashing the Aussies for 37 runs in mere dozen balls to book India's place into the finals, an unlikely prospect before he took to the crease.

The all-rounder duo have set up cricketing academies all over the country in order to provide nourishment to young and upcoming talents and are on the road time and again hoping to unearth India's next cricketing superstar. But they had a lot on their plate this time as they featured in an astonishing nine games between the September 26 and October 5, a testament to their incredible fitness levels even after quitting the game. 

Although it's always fun to listen to the eagle-eyed opinions of Irfan Pathan on cricket shows, we cannot wait to see them back in action on the field as the recent matches have shown that they still have plenty of cricket left in them.