Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag, reserve wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel and Ganguly will join up with the squad on Saturday after playing in the latest round of domestic Ranji Trophy games.
Despite that, his mother, Shamim Bano, never tried to curb his interest in cricket and both brothers - Yousuf is a promising all-rounder in the Ranji Trophy - say it was her encouragement which shaped their careers.