Sehwag, Dhoni bigger hitters than me: Yusuf Pathan

Modesty personified, the Rajasthan Royals power-hitter said he had just began his career and it’s way too early to be put in the same bracket with Sehwag and Dhoni.

“There are bigger strikers of the cricket ball than me — (like) Virender Sehwag, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. I am just starting out. How can you club me with them? I have a long way to go,” Yusuf said.

“There are some great players who have better strike rates. I am happy where I am and would prefer being there,” he said.

Asked who was his favourite power-hitter, Yusuf said, “I have always liked watching (Matthew) Hayden. He has been somebody I have seen a lot. At home, Virender Sehwag and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are obvious choices.

“From the old times it has to be (Krish) Srikkanth. I have also heard from people about Salim Durrani. I haven’t seen him play but I believe he was very good,” he told the official IPL website.

The key Rajasthan Royals player said he wants to stay both modest and hungry for success.

“If you think you have become big, then the hunger dies. The more you are grounded the hungrier you remain. I want to be what they call a ‘bhooka sher’ (hungry tiger) whose hunger never dies,” he said.

Yusuf would play a key role in India’s Twenty20 World Cup title defence in England next month and the towering all-rounder said he would put his best foot forward.

“I know everybody will be watching me. There may be increased scrutiny on me but it does not bother me. I just want to do well for my country and enjoy my cricket. I just want to keep trying hard,” he said.

“It is the same feeling for me like it was two years ago. When you play for the country it is always about keeping up the performance and doing well at all times,” Yusuf said.