IPL 2018 Auctions: Yusuf Pathan hopeful of returning back to KKR

Pathan won IPL titles with KKR in 2012 and 2014.

Pathan has been associated with KKR since 2011. (Getty)

Prior to the IPL 2018 auctions, Yusuf Pathan in an exclusive interview with NDTV expressed his desire to be reunited with Kolkata Knight  Riders for a fresh IPL stint. He said that he is expecting the franchise to buy him back using the Right to Match (RTM) card and if they do, he will be very happy. 

 Speaking exclusively to NDTV.com, Pathan spoke about his batting form and also clarification on his dope ban. "I still go to the crease with the mindset of hitting the ball out of the park," Pathan said.

"I don't know which team will opt for me but I am open to play for any franchisee whoever goes for me. I will play with same enthusiasm and attitude, the way I have been for years," a confident Pathan added.

"I have played a lot of cricket with both teams but majorly with KKR. When you spend a lot of time with a team, you get attached and that's what happened with me. I am really attached to both teams," Pathan said.

Earlier KKR  retained Sunil Narine and Andre Russel on the retention day. 

Pathan said he will be really happy to go back to his team where he spent seven seasons.

"I will be really happy if KKR buy me using RTM. I am ready to join the KKR force any day. I have spent seven seasons at KKR. I will be happy to go back with the team where I have spent seven seasons. This team has given me a lot," Pathan said.

"This IPL will see a different Yusuf Pathan. That's a promise," the Baroda cricketer said.

Apart from Pathan, star players Gautam Gambhir, Kuldeep Yadav, Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav and Umesh Yadav will also be on KKR's radar during the auction. All of them have been key for KKR's success earlier and will be important for forming the core of the team with the league starting afresh.

With 2904 runs in 149 matches, Yusuf Pathan is amongst the top 20 run-getters in the IPL. 

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 26 Jan, 2018

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