Whats wrong with Yusuf Pathan?

Some players are not pulling their weight, Gambhir had said. If it continues we might have to take some hard steps. They persisted,and Pathan hardly improved. After throwing his wicket away on Sunday,KKRs bowling coach Wasim Akram had a long chat with him in the dug-out. He,however,has full faith in the all-rounder from Baroda,knowing very well that once he comes good with the bat,very few teams in the world have the ability to stop him.

Akrams theory

We need Yusuf because he is simply fantastic when he clicks. One of the best in limited-overs cricket, says Akram,who has come up with an interesting theory. He believes that Pathans axeing from the Indian team after the 2011 World Cup has dented his confidence,a reason that explains his performances even in the IPL this season.

Why he was dropped is beyond me. The selectors didnt do any favour to his confidence by omitting him. Pathan is a big match player and will surely come good, he says. Pathans credentials notwithstanding,the question is that,how long can the KKR team management continue to play him without returns? Yes,KKR have won their last two matches and are now placed third in the table with eight points,but in most cases,Pathans performances have only made the situation worse for his side.

One more chance?

Given that the Chargers have lost all their five matches they played this year,Pathan might get one more opportunity to save his season,feels his Baroda Ranji Trophy coach,Sanath Kumar. He spoke to me,when he came to Bangalore for the match against the Royal Challengers. I told him to keep things simple and be patient. Naturally,he is not very confident at the moment, says Sanath. At this point with Pathan,the Knight Riders support staff has a very vital role to play.

They have been,as sports psychologist Rudi Webster,KKRs mental conditioning coach,is doing his best to keep the big man in the right frame of mind. That his opposition for Tuesday,Kumar Sangakkaras Chargers are also going through a difficult period might allow Pathan to find his rhythm,if he is played in the eleven that is.

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