IPL 2019: Irfan Pathan leaps in defence of Yusuf Pathan; slams critics

Yusuf Pathan’s status as one of the biggest match-winners in the history of the Indian Premier League just cannot be undermined. The veteran batsman from Baroda has carved his own place in the history of the league with his batting exploits right from the inaugural season when he was the flag-bearer of a Rajasthan Royals team that had gone on to win the league despite being termed as underdogs.

In 2010, he had scored the fastest-ever IPL ton off just 37 balls that was later broken. Such was the impact of that knock that even the legendary Shane Warne has said it was the best innings he had seen in his lengthy cricket career. He then played a key role in making Kolkata Knight Riders one of the powerhouses of the IPL. The India allrounder helped the Kolkata-based outfit win two IPL titles in three years. Who can forget his 15-ball fifty against Sunrisers Hyderabad that helped Knight Riders storm into the playoffs?

Yet to get enough time to bat in the middle

Yusuf’s journey with the Knight Riders’ came to an end in 2018 when the Sunrisers Hyderabad secured his services. The veteran allrounder pretty much justified the tag by scoring over 250 runs and helping the team to make it to the finals. However, the ongoing season has not panned out in an expected manner for Yusuf and one just cannot question his form. The right-handed batsman has just not got enough time to bat in the middle.

Sunrisers Hyderabad dropped Yusuf for their clash against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday and lost the game by seven wickets. Asked to bat first, the Sunrisers scored 160 for 8 before the Royals chased down the total with five balls to spare. Yusuf has played 9 games this season and has batted in seven of them while remaining not out in 5 of them which pretty much makes it clear that his form just cannot be questioned.

Perhaps this is the reason why his younger brother Irfan Pathan lashed out on Twitter on Saturday. The usually calm Irfan was quick to remind the critics that Yusuf has not got ample chance to bat this season. He also pointed out that Yusuf has won 16 Man of the Match awards in IPL which is the second best by an Indian player.

“9 matches, 5 not outs, didn’t bat twice. Faced a total of just 41 balls this IPL. So ppl who talk abt his performance don’t forget this stat. He is the only match winner to bat so down in the order and win 16 man of the matches @iamyusufpathan” wrote Irfan.

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