Yusuf Pathan and Abhishek Nayar might have earned good reputations in domestic cricket,but their names are lost in obscurity when their careers go up a gear into the international arena. So as the Indian team lands in Jaipur for the first one-day international against South Africa,it wont be a surprise to see some desperate attempts from the all-rounders department. Yusuf and Abhishek might have different batting styles,but their approach towards opposition bowlers is common. They have the capability of accelerating their game at any moment. When the West Zone duo get another chance to showcase their talent,it will be interesting to see how they handle the Proteas in limited overs game. Its better not to think too much and just go enjoy the game. Im happy to get another chance for my country and will try to give my best, Yusuf told The Indian Express before packing his bags for Jaipur. Barodas 27-year-old batsman comes in after scoring a 40-ball hundred against Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He only came into strong contention after his ton and unbeaten double hundred in the Duleep Trophy final after an average Ranji Trophy season. There is no doubt those scores boosted my confidence. Im hoping to play such an innings in international cricket, says Yusuf. Yusuf never could match the hype and expectations of his T20 displays at the international level but Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer says his batting also needs to be taken into account. He (Yusuf) hasnt got much of a chance while batting,if you see he has been batting at No.6 or 7. I think the team should promote him up the order, says Jaffer. Nayar,who was dropped after three ODIs where he batted just once and bowled three overs,is in a position similar to Yusuf. The selectors continue to drop and pick but he says he can only wait. Getting a place back itself is a big thing and I will try my best, says the Mumbai southpaw . With Ravindra Jadeja being a strong contender to keep his place,Nayar might be assigned the job of carrying water bottles inside the dressing room. If I get my chance then I will try to play my natural game. There is no point in day-dreaming,I just want to have a good time, he adds.
