KKR duo Eyeing to Break into The Champions Trophy Squad
Kolkata: The forthcoming IPL will act as a platform for Knight Riders’ duo Yusuf Pathan and Manish Pandey to make a comeback into the India team. With the ICC Champions Trophy being slated to take place in two months’ time, both Pathan and Pandey are eyeing a good performance in the cash-rich league. 34-year-old Pathan is out of Team India for more than five years; while Pandey has not been able to cement his place despite his 104* against Australia in their 331 chase in Sydney, January last year.
The Kolkata Knight Riders duo, however, has not given up their Team India comeback hopes.
“The brand of cricket I’ve played so far, my only aim has always been to play for India again. IPL is one such platform where I can prove myself again,” the three-time IPL winning all-rounder Pathan said at the launch of KKR Gallery at the Fanattic Sports Museum at Ecospace in New Town today.
“To make a comeback for the country is the ultimate aim. It’s about making full use of the opportunity I get here.”
Yusuf further recalled how he made his India ODI debut after impressing the selectors by winning the inaugural IPL for Rajasthan Royals in 2007.
“In fact, I started my career through IPL first season. Of course, it’s about performing here and making a comeback,” the India World Cup winner who last played for India in March 2012 said.
“I’m sure something new is in store for all of us. There will be no shortage of entertainment as we have some exciting new players on board.”
Echoing his senior partner’s views, Pandey, who last played for India in an ODI in October last year, said:
“IPL is a good platform. If you do well, you’re noticed by everyone here.
“It will be important for me to perform well again in the IPL and look forward to the the Champions Trophy.”
With no Andre Russell in the line-up with the big hitting Windies serving a one-year anti-doping violation ban, Pandey said that he would have to shoulder more responsibility in batting at number three.
“Definitely it will add to my responsibility. But I would still look at the same way like last year. I would love to perform in every game I play. As a middle order batsman, batting at number three, I would like to continue with the good form to take the team forward.”
On Russell’s void, he said: “Still we look at the balanced side. We are missing Russell, but we have a number of good all-rounders coming in. We have a lot of youngsters and experienced players.”