Had nothing for breakfast: Yusuf Pathan

When the Mumbai Indians amassed 212, skipper Sachin Tendulkar knew his side couldn’t afford to take it easy. Rajasthan Royals have among their ranks a certain Yusuf Pathan and on his day, the Baroda-based all-rounder can make the best of attacks look ordinary.

On Saturday, Pathan did what he knows best and took his side to the doorstep of victory. But alas, his brutal 37-ball 100 — the fastest in IPL’s three-year history — came to a bizarre end courtesy a run-out.

The well-built right-hander has been in prime form throughout the domestic season. However, what’s heartening to see is the fact that he’s living up to expectations. Just a month ago, he smacked a record, unbeaten double-hundred in the Duleep Trophy final. For the record, West Zone were chasing more than 500 for victory.

Pathan then smashed a 40-ball 100 for Baroda in an inconsequential one-day fixture against Saurashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He followed it up with a 39-ball 80, albeit in a losing cause, for West Zone against North in the Deodhar Trophy final. Thus, Saturday’s show was anything but unexpected.
Sachin Tendulkar called Pathan’s blitzkrieg a “special innings”.

“Before Yusuf came in, I kept telling my boys not to take anything for granted till the last ball is bowled. This is what I have learnt for so many years. It was achievable till Yusuf was there,” a relieved Tendulkar said.

Pathan, who hit eight sixes and nine boundaries, somehow kept smiling at the press conference. “I have been in a good form, it was a good wicket. One mistake…otherwise we could have won the match,” he said.

When asked what he ate prior for breakfast, he casually replied saying, “Nothing”. “The wicket was good for batting and if the wickets remain like this, more records will come. However in the end, it was disappointing to lose,” he added.

Royals skipper Shane Warne showered praise on his lad. “He got us out of an impossible situation. In my era, I’ve seen Sachin and Lara go out and thrash bowlers…but this is the best I have ever seen. I am proud of it and I think we can win from anywhere,” he added.