(AP Photo)
Ever since Yusuf Pathan made his debut on the international stage during India’s victorious 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan, he has consistently demonstrated his prowess as a performer in crucial matches.
This Tuesday, Yusuf Pathan, renowned as one half of Baroda’s esteemed Pathan duo alongside the charismatic former pacer Irfan, is stepping into the realm of intricate political dynamics, showcasing his mettle as a significant player in high-stakes scenarios.
In an unexpected turn of events from the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, the Trinamool Congress candidate is surging ahead of the seasoned Congressman and five-time MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury by a margin exceeding 75,000 votes. This development is perceived as a surprise, hinting at the potential of the Trinamool candidate to emerge as a formidable opponent, possibly even toppling a long-standing political giant, based on the prevailing trend.
“Uparwale ka rahem, karam bolein , 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. 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.
At 41 years old, Yusuf Pathan is a newcomer to the realm of politics, having spent the majority of his life dedicated to cricket, where he garnered a reputation as a formidable and fair hitter of the ball. His transition into politics came as a surprise to many, yet in hindsight, it could be seen as a strategic move orchestrated by Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee.
Their camaraderie was evident as they celebrated victories together at the Eden Gardens alongside team owner Shah Rukh Khan when Yusuf’s IPL franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders, claimed triumphs in 2012 and 2014.
In a constituency boasting a significant Muslim population of over 66 percent, Mamata strategically positioned Yusuf against the heavyweight Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Just a week before TMC unveiled its candidate list, Mamata approached Yusuf, who initially had reservations before ultimately agreeing—a decision likened by former India captain Sourav Ganguly to facing the formidable Australian pacer Brett Lee.
Besides Chowdhury, Yusuf had to take on BJP’s Nirmal Chandra Saha, a known doctor from the region and also deal with the “outsider” barbs from the opposition.
But the former all-rounder took it upon himself and often repeated TMC’s mantra of “Khela Hobe” .
Yusuf Pathan’s tenacity and fighting spirit were evident throughout his cricketing journey. Despite being a late bloomer compared to his younger brother, he quickly established himself as an impact player long before the term became commonplace in cricketing circles.
Four years following the historic T20 World Cup victory, Yusuf was witnessed hoisting the legendary Sachin Tendulkar onto his shoulders during India’s celebratory parade after clinching the 2011 ODI World Cup.
The versatile all-rounder stands out as one of the select cricketers to have secured victories in both the T20 and ODI World Cups, alongside clinching three IPL titles across two distinct franchises.
Born on November 17, 1982, Yusuf’s ascent to cricketing prominence epitomizes a narrative of unwavering determination and commitment, deeply entrenched in his upbringing in Vadodara.
Raised amidst the vibrant community surrounding Vadodara’s renowned Jama Masjid, Yusuf and his younger sibling Irfan encountered life’s trials and tribulations from an early age.
Their father, Mehmood Khan Pathan, diligently served as a muezzin, summoning the faithful to prayer five times daily. Despite the modest means and the demanding nature of his occupation, Mehmood Khan instilled in his children a steadfast sense of discipline and devotion.
The passion for cricket ignited within the Pathan brothers amidst the winding alleys and compact pitches surrounding Jama Masjid.
Their innate talent caught the eye of Mehendi Sheikh, a local coach whose influence would prove pivotal in shaping Yusuf’s cricketing journey.
Recognizing Yusuf’s potential, Sheikh became not just a coach but also a mentor, offering not only technical expertise but also unwavering support and motivation.
Under Sheikh’s guidance, Yusuf refined his skills, particularly his formidable batting prowess, which would later distinguish him on the international stage.
A twist of fate, as Virender Sehwag suffered a groin injury, granted Yusuf an unexpected debut against Pakistan on September 24, 2007.
Though his role was limited in India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup, Yusuf’s aggressive approach and knack for breakthroughs with his crafty off-spin quickly secured his position as a regular in India’s limited-overs squad.
Despite being the older sibling, Yusuf’s international debut came three years after Irfan’s, but this delay only fueled his determination to excel.
His knack for turning matches on their head with his powerful batting and crucial wickets earned him a pivotal role in the Indian team, particularly in shorter formats. He was an integral part of the MS Dhoni-led squad that secured the ODI World Cup in 2011.
Yet, it was in the IPL where Pathan left an indelible mark. His breathtaking 37-ball century against Mumbai Indians in 2010 remains one of the fastest in the tournament’s history, captivating fans worldwide. This extraordinary achievement, coupled with his instrumental contributions to Rajasthan Royals’ title triumph in the inaugural season of 2008, firmly established him as a legend in the realm of T20 cricket.
In the inaugural IPL season of 2008, Yusuf Pathan showcased his prowess by featuring in every match, amassing 435 runs at an impressive strike rate of 179.01, and also claiming eight wickets.
Transitioning to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2011, he secured a permanent position within the squad for seven consecutive years.
Despite his remarkable achievements in limited-overs cricket, Pathan’s sole regret remains his inability to represent India in Test matches. However, he may find himself embarking on a prolonged innings in the realm of politics.
