Yusuf says he'll gain from New Zealand experience

Yusuf Pathan, the Indian allrounder, wasn't in the best of form during the New Zealand tour but said playing in unfamiliar conditions had been a learning experience. Yusuf started with an eight-ball 20 in the first Twenty20 but there was little of note from him in the limited opportunities in the rest of the series.

"Overall, it was a good experience," he said on his return from New Zealand. "I played on pitches and conditions alien to me. I am satisfied with my performance although I could have performed better."

India lost both Twenty20s but came back strongly to win their first one-day series in New Zealand. "After the loss in Twenty20 series it was really nice to win the ODIs," he said. "We worked a lot for that win which came after many years on Kiwi soil. It's a big achievement and a result of good team effort."

The big-hitting Yusuf is now a limited-overs specialist as far as the national team is concerned, but said he was looking to make the Test side as well. "Naturally every cricketer dreams of playing Tests and I am no exception. I am waiting for the right time; I am evolving as a cricketer and it will take some time to be there."

His next assignment will be the second season of the IPL. He had been a key part of Rajasthan Royals' victory in the inaugural IPL, and his performances in it, including a Man-of-the-Match show in the final, catapulted him into the national spotlight.