Tag: Yusuf Pathan

Yusuf Pathan– Cricketer Turned Politician

Yusuf Khan Pathan, born on 17 November 1982 in Baroda, Gujarat, is a former Indian cricketer known for his power-hitting and game-finishing abilities. A right-handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler, he played a crucial role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 Cricket World Cup victories. In 2024, Pathan made headlines once again, winning a Lok Sabha seat from Baharampur, West Bengal, as a Trinamool Congress candidate.

Personal Life

Yusuf hails from a Gujarati Pathan family and is the elder brother of cricketer Irfan Pathan. He faced hardships early in life and later used his platform for philanthropic efforts, including distributing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is married to Afreen, a Mumbai-based physiotherapist, and they have a son. Yusuf also supported causes like “Youth Against Rape” (YAIF).

Domestic and Early Career

Pathan began his first-class cricket journey in the 2001–02 season. He rose through the ranks with strong performances in tournaments like the Deodhar Trophy and the Inter-state T20 Cup in 2007, earning him a place in India’s squad for the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup.

International Career Highlights

• T20I Debut: Final of ICC T20 World Cup 2007 vs Pakistan

• ODI Debut: 10 June 2008 vs Pakistan in Dhaka

• 2007 T20 World Cup: Opened the innings in the final

• 2010 Indore ODI: Scored 50 off 29 balls on his 26th birthday

• 2010 Bangalore ODI vs New Zealand: Unbeaten 123 off 96 balls to chase 316

• 2011 ODI vs South Africa: Scored 105 off 70 balls

Yusuf was part of India’s squad in key tournaments including the 2009 and 2010 T20 World Cups, 2011 World Cup, and 2012 Asia Cup. He was often hailed as a game-changer despite inconsistency.

Duleep Trophy Record

In 2010, during the Duleep Trophy final, Yusuf played one of the greatest innings in domestic cricket history — scoring 108 in the first innings and an unbeaten 210 in the second to chase down 536, the highest successful run chase in first-class cricket history.

Indian Premier League (IPL) Career

Rajasthan Royals (2008–2010)

• Bought for $265,000

• Scored 435 runs & took 8 wickets in 2008

• Fastest 50 of 2008 IPL (21 balls)

• Man of the Match in the IPL 2008 final

• Scored a 37-ball century against Mumbai Indians in 2010

• Described by Shane Warne as one of the cleanest hitters alongside Andrew Symonds

Kolkata Knight Riders (2011–2017)

• Bought for $2.1 million

• Scored a 15-ball fifty in 2014 (second-fastest in IPL history)

• Became the first batsman to be dismissed for “obstructing the field” in T20s (2013)

• Helped KKR win the 2014 IPL title

Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018–2019)

• Played key innings including 45 in the 2018 final vs CSK

• Released ahead of 2020 IPL season

Doping Violation

In 2017, he tested positive for Terbutaline and received a 5-month suspension, later reduced due to it being an inadvertent violation. He returned after serving the brief suspension.

Legends League and Other Leagues

Yusuf continues to play in Legends League Cricket for Bhilwara Kings. In 2024, he also represented the Trinamool Congress in the Men’s National Cricket & Politics League.

Cricket Academy of Pathans

Yusuf and Irfan Pathan jointly launched the Cricket Academy of Pathans, with former India coach Greg Chappell and Cameron Tradell as mentors. The academy aims to nurture young cricket talent with professional coaching and training.

Political Career

In the 2024 Indian general election, Yusuf contested from the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat on a Trinamool Congress ticket. He defeated Congress heavyweight Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury by a margin of 85,022 votes. His victory marked a significant political milestone, making him one of the few cricketers to successfully transition into politics.

Legacy

Yusuf Pathan’s name is synonymous with big hitting and fearless cricket. Whether it was IPL glory, ODI masterclasses, or political ambition, Pathan has consistently proven his ability to rise to the occasion. With contributions on and off the field, he continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers and public servants.