Yusuf, who made his international T20 debut against Australia, had finished as the leading wicket-taker in the domestic competition and was signed up as replacement for West Indian Jerome Taylor, who met with an accident just before the tournament.

Yusuf has often been criticised for his stocky frame, and has been subjected to many rude remarks for his perceived lack of fitness. Yusuf answered those by losing a massive 15kg in a month before making the cut for Nashua Dolphins and Kwa Zulu Natal in first-class cricket. “I know I’m stockier than a conventional cricketer, but it helps me pull my weight in bowling quick. To play for Dolphins or Natal I had to pass through many fitness tests and if I was able to clear them, it means I’m fit. I have been training hard even now, hitting the gym with Irfan (Pathan) any time we get,” he says.

Yusuf also acknowledges the role South African batsman Hashim Amla has played in shaping his career. “He’s been a great friend, almost like an elder brother to me. We have played along together right from Dolphins and other representative sides and have always been roomies. When I made it to the South African dressing room, on my debut, he was there to welcome me and introduced me to everyone.”

Yusuf has now shifted base to Durban city and drives a gleaming silver car. He has clearly come a long way from where he started off, but says he hasn’t forgotten his past — or his school teacher. “Even now when we get together at the reunion, me and the teacher recall that moment and have a laugh about it.”