Kolkata: Yusuf Pathan might be a fearsome name to any international bowler, but the Baroda all-rounder himself finds facing his younger brother, left-arm pacer Irfan most difficult.
Although colleagues in India team, they faced each other on a few occasions during the Indian Premier League, where Yousuf played for Rajasthan Royals and Irfan was in Kings XI Punjab team.
"Irfan has always been very difficult to face. He knows my strengths and weaknesses very well. So it`s difficult to get him out of the way," Yousuf said on sidelines of a promotional event here today.
"It`s difficult to face each other in a match. We have faced each other a few times during the IPL and it`s the most difficult part. But we are professional cricketers and want to do well for our respective teams. There is no friendship or relationship on the field," Yousuf added.
Asked whether he would miss Irfan, who was ignored for next month`s tour of Sri Lanka and Champions Trophy in South Africa, Yusuf said, "He was not there in the last series (in West Indies) as well. But it`s all about doing well for the team. Winning is most important."
The cricketer is also happy with his performance. "At my batting position, what is needed is to score quick runs which I am doing very well and I am very happy."
"Apart from Yusuf, (Adam) Gilchrist who is thankfully retired now and is playing only in IPL was another respected name. He is very hard to bowl at... No matter how you bowl to him, he will cut your line and length," said Irfan, who was accompanying his elder brother.
"Among Indians, Sachin Tendulkar is quite tough to bowl at. He has answers for all your deliveries. Thankfully I don`t have to bowl at him in international cricket," he added.
Irfan has recently found his match in Shivangi Dev, an Australia-based chartered accountant.
"It`s true that he has got his match. I am sure parents are looking for me as well and this will happen soon," Yusuf said.
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