Yusuf Abdulla is a classic case of could-have-been, with his startling decline an indication of how ruthless cricket can be.
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Harshal Patel led the race for the Purple Cap in IPL 2021 before it was postponed, having accounted for 17 dismissals in seven matches. His list of scalps included big names like Hardik Pandya and Andre Russell. Surely, even the thought of dropping such a proven performer would have been considered a travesty, to say the least. However, the 2009 edition of the cash-rich league bore witness to such decision making. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) decided to drop the leading wicket-taker in the edition Yusuf Abdulla from the lineup in favour of Brett Lee.
While Lee was one of the best in the business, even the Australian would have understood the importance of selecting the edition’s most lethal bowler who had dismissed game-changers like Chris Gayle.
Abdulla played only two more matches in the rest of the campaign, which had a sizeable impact on the playoff aspirations of the Punjab-based franchise. “Lee was signed for USD 900,000, which is certainly something that must have influenced the decision making. However, it was definitely disappointing to be sidelined when I was leading the bowling charts with 14 wickets in nine games, having recorded two four-wicket hauls,” the 38-year-old says with a sad smile in an exclusive chat to sportslumo.com.
Abdulla is among the only four bowlers in IPL history to have dismissed all 4 foreign players from the opposition. The left-arm pacer achieved this milestone in an IPL 2009 league encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The cricketer accounted for the dismissals of Jacques Kallis, Kevin Pietersen, Ross Taylor and Jesse Ryder. The left-arm pacer is further one of the only three bowlers to pick four wickets in an innings twice for the Punjab-based franchise, having recorded the feat in 2009.
Abdulla was also a fan-favourite with his slinging action drawing comparisons to Sri Lankan cricketer Lasith Malinga. Many went to the extent of hailing the pacer as South Africa’s answer to Malinga, with his variations and deceptive action leaving batsmen baffled. The bowler had quality pace, an inch-perfect yorker and a beautiful slower ball. Not only this, he enjoyed an ability to bowl just wide enough of the bat not to be hit through the on-side, while avoiding the delivery being called a wide. The pacer could also remain calm and composed during the death overs, which has been an area of concern for some of the finest bowlers.
However, his association with the game could well have been restricted to that of an amateur, if not for a school teacher.
“I grew up in Johannesburg, spending the majority of time with my Dad’s family. They liked playing sports, which certainly had a major impact on my love for football and cricket. My Dad always knew I was special and had the ability to make a mark as a sportsman. However, I simply tried to enjoy as much as possible during the initial years, rather than playing with the objective of making a career out of cricket,” he said.
“Living on a farm and studying in a non-cricketing school also played a certain role, with the game simply looked at as a form of leisure. There wasn’t even a proper ground. I used to bowl bouncers almost every delivery, having developed confidence as a bowler on the back of regular practice outside school hours till that stage. There was some special talent in my arsenal, and the sole objective was to utilise it to the fullest. During one of those matches, a school teacher involved in club cricket spotted my capabilities and decided to take me to a coaching seminar at the KZN academy. I was asked to bowl in the nets, with my first delivery leaving the batsman howling in pain. Coach Yashin Ebrahim was impressed, handing me an opportunity to join the academy. Maybe I would have remained an amateur, if not for that trip,” adds Abdulla with a smile.
The fast-bowler was a quick learner and went about adapting to the requirements of the game as a professional astutely. Abdulla initially struggled to find his line and length, having grown accustomed to bowling a bouncer every delivery.
The lack of cricketing education made available in a formal sporting school was something Abdulla had missed out on, making the journey significantly tougher. However, the pacer believes this proved to be an advantage in the long run, considering the orthodox approach in South African cricket.
“I had a swinging action, which would have been discouraged for sure. One major concern in South African cricket is that coaches believe in guiding a player to an unnecessary extent. One might not find a Jasprit Bumrah because young cricketers are taught about the technical aspects at an early age, rather than being allowed to grow. The last unorthodox player was Paul Adams. Coaches at a cricketing school would have asked me to bowl straight over the head, hampering the growth. Youngsters should be allowed to play with freedom, with some inputs only necessary in case of injuries,” he enthuses.
Abdulla soon started bowling consistently at a speed in excess of 140 km/h. The pacer does not term hard work as the factor behind his increase in pace.
“Pace is very natural. Either you have it or you don’t. Hard work cannot help after a certain point. It was tough for me to get noticed due to the rigid favouritism when it comes to association with cricketing schools. However, I finally got an opportunity after the Dolphins coach Phil Russell flew down to watch one of my games while featuring in the B-side. He joined me in a net session after the match, guiding me with regard to swinging the ball. That session was quite important in my development as a cricketer with pace and swing emerging as key assets,” he says with a grin.
Abdulla developed as a key performer for the Dolphins, accounting for nine wickets at an average of 12 in the 2006-07 season of Pro20. This was followed by 10 wickets at an average of 17.10 in the 2007-08 edition of Pro20. Abdulla further received an award from Steve Waugh in India, for recording the best economy rate (4.12) in 2007 among all players set to feature in the eventually cancelled inaugural edition of the Champions League T20.
The selectors soon spotted the fine talent which the left-arm pacer possessed, handing him a call-up to the South Africa Twenty20 squad to face Australia.
“I had to work very hard to prove myself, considering the tough competition in South African cricket. Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs and Makhaya Ntini were some of the star performers at that stage. A player had to deliver his 200 percent on the field. However, it all felt completely worth the effort, after being informed about my selection for the T20i series. It’s a massive honour to play for your nation,” says Abdulla.
The left-arm pacer made his presence felt in the only T20I he featured in, recording figures of 1 for 16 including the dismissal of Ricky Ponting. David Warner and Michael Clarke struggled to negotiate Abdulla’s variations, with the same reflecting on the scoreline.
“Clarke was left shaking his head at a couple of deliveries, with Ponting similarly uncomfortable. Certainly a great experience.”
Abdulla expected an opportunity to relax and recover following his excellent performance, with only three first-class four-day domestic matches left with the Dolphins. However, it all changed as KXIP came hunting for a suitable replacement for Jerome Taylor, with the pacer’s display providing quality reassurance. IPL 2009 was set to be held in South Africa, and who better than someone who had left the Aussies in deep discomfort.
“I thought I would be a part of the IPL in 2008, as some players had discussed an opportunity with me. Did not get a chance going unsold in the player auction for the 2009 edition as well. However, I received a call from KXIP coach Tom Moody following my T20I debut in Centurion, expressing a desire to sign me. I was overjoyed as was my family, having seen me struggle so much.”
Abdulla was signed at a bargain price of USD 25,000, a sixth of Taylor’s fee. He ended the edition as the bowler with the best bowling figures (4/31), best strike rate (12.00) and best average (17.21) in the KXIP squad.
However, the left-arm pacer’s fortunes nosedived after being benched astonishingly, making only two appearances for the franchise in the 2010 edition.
“I suffered a grade-three tear in my groin due to bowling consistently without a break and was out for eight weeks. There was an operation scheduled to be conducted for ensuring proper recovery, with rest recommended as well. However, I took the injury lightly, opting to come down to India and represent KXIP in IPL 2010. Played only two matches, before the team physiotherapist advocated for me to be rested for the remainder of the season. The decision was a massive mistake in the long run, as not having properly recovered stopped me from bowling at 100 percent. Never got a chance to feature in the IPL ever again, as franchises took due note.”
Abdulla was asked to play three-day cricket for Kwa-Zulu Natal’s amateur side, after returning from the 2010 edition rather than being a part of the Dolphins’ squad for their Pro20 campaign. The pacer delivered a moderate performance as is the case with bowlers who have been sidelined for a significant time recently. However, the Dolphins had a rude shock in store, releasing the cricketer from his franchise contract in April 2011. Lack of fitness was cited as the main reason, with questions raised over his weight.
Some of the greatest cricketers in world cricket have battled injuries and weight concerns, to go on and carve a successful career. Arjuna Ranatunga, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins are some of those players who have left the masses star-struck with their performances. These players may not have reached the level of success they went on to achieve if not for quality support when it mattered the most.
Abdulla had been a star performer for the Dolphins over the last six seasons, maintaining the impact with the same body structure. However, all it took were a couple of games for the Durban-based club to release him from their books, leaving the pacer heartbroken.
“Nobody complained about my weight when I was performing well. If I had been supported rather than being left to fend for myself when struggling, I could have gone on to make a successful comeback. It’s very important to manage a player effectively in case of a tough scenario. I decided to lose weight after listening to the wrong advice, which ended up costing me much needed energy necessary for bowling at a high pace. Hashim Amla had advised me against it.”
Abdulla was called ‘The Heater’ during his playing days, which has a very interesting story behind it.
“Russell asked me to bowl to the South African team who were practising in the nets at Kingsmead, ahead of an ODI against Pakistan in 2007. He wanted me to bowl at a quick pace and ensure consistent bouncers. I hit a few players on their helmets during that session. The players were full of praise for my performance in the nets, with Shaun Pollock going on to suggest the nickname.”
Inzamam-ul-Haq had impressed Imran Khan with his performance in a net session after the World Cup-winning skipper decided to bowl personally. A good performance had set the stage for a priceless opportunity with the national team. Graeme Smith however did not adopt a similar outlook to Abdulla’s talent, with the left-arm pacer highlighting this as a vital factor behind getting an opportunity in only one T20I.
Abdullah played only 42 more matches in any form of cricket over the next six years, following his arrival after IPL 2010. He decided to retire in December 2016 and is happily married with wife Aaliya being a pharmacist. Five children and running three chemist shops leave very limited room for anything else especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he certainly has some advice in store for Cricket South Africa (CSA), for ensuring optimum performances and welfare.
“CSA needs to bridge the gap between giving opportunities to youngsters and ensuring the presence of players who can be valuable assets even at the age of 34-35. Imran Tahir and Faf du Plessis are the only senior players currently getting a chance. That loss of experience which veterans like Robert Frylinck ensure can be a major loss.”
“T20 cricket involves the application of skills. A pacer who has certain specific capabilities can be a match winner, even if he lacks pace. India has been extremely smart in this regard, with experienced players like Ashish Nehra used effectively.”
There has been a lot of debate over the steady increase in players who have opted to forego their international careers, in favour of signing Kolpak deals. This has been a massive area of concern for South African cricket, with some of the best in the business like Hashim Amla and Morne Morkel going down that route.
“A lot of talented players are leaving South Africa to represent New Zealand as well as signing Kolpak deals. This is an issue, which needs to be resolved through the implementation of a proper structure with financial security one of the prime parameters. It sends a wrong message to emerging players when established stars like Amla and Morkel express a lack of trust in domestic cricket. The presence of such top players raises the bar for performances, pushing youngsters to work harder. The selectors, coach and captain need to send out a unified message which reassures the fans and players.”
Abdulla’s involvement with professional cricket may now be limited, but he does delve into a sea of nostalgia once in a while, back to the days when he faced off against idol Adam Gilchrist.
“Gilchrist is my idol. It was great facing off and plotting his dismissal in the 2009 edition. I also shared some lovely memories with Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan who are quite fun-loving. Not many know, but Brendon McCullum is not the biggest fan of mine. I hit McCullum on the helmet with a bouncer, during a game against New Zealand while representing South Africa-A. He was certainly not the happiest man.”
Abdulla highlights another interesting memory regarding Brendon McCullum. “It is from an IPL 2009 match against Kolkata Knight Riders. I bowled a back of length delivery to Chris Gayle, who smashed it for a six. McCullum came halfway down the pitch and shouted: Let him know, you don’t bowl short to Gayle. The game has certainly provided a lifetime worth of experiences. The only thing which can bring me back is an opportunity to offer my services as a bowling coach to the Indian team. I have coaching experience of six years in the provincial setup, along with CSA Level 1, 2 and 3 coaching certificates,” concludes Abdulla.
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