Former Indian batsman Yusuf Pathan and English spinner Monty Panesar engaged in a lighthearted banter during a Legends League Cricket (LLC) match between Konark Suryas Odisha and Toyam Hyderabad. The two veterans, who once represented their respective nations at the highest level, found themselves on opposing sides in the LLC.
As Yusuf struggled to score runs, Panesar, who is of Indian descent, was caught on camera teasing him about his slow batting pace. “Are you playing a Test match?” Panesar quipped, referring to the longer format of cricket where batsmen typically take more time to accumulate runs.
Yusuf, known for his explosive batting style, was not amused by Panesar’s comment. He retorted, “How many Test wickets do you have?” highlighting Panesar’s relatively modest Test record compared to his own impressive achievements in limited-overs cricket.
The exchange between the two legends added a touch of humor to the match. Yusuf, who has a reputation for being a big-hitter, has an ODI strike rate of 113 and a T20I strike rate of 146. He was part of India’s victorious squads in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.
Panesar, on the other hand, enjoyed a successful Test career for England. The left-arm off-spinner played 50 Tests, claiming 167 wickets. One of his most memorable performances came in India in 2012, where he took 17 wickets in three Tests as England defeated India 2-1.
Despite the banter, Konark Suryas Odisha failed to post a competitive total, scoring only 100 runs in 20 overs. Toyam Hyderabad chased down the target with 10 balls to spare, thanks to a half-century from Gurkeerat Singh Mann. Panesar finished with figures of 1/13 in 4 overs.
The friendly rivalry between Yusuf and Panesar showcased the camaraderie and competitive spirit that exists among former international cricketers. Their banter added an entertaining element to the LLC match, reminding fans of the lighter side of the sport.
