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I’ve enjoyed the captaincy, says Yuvraj

Rakesh Rao

‘It is easy to lead a team that is winning’
‘I always look to minimise mistakes’

NEW DELHI: Yuvraj Singh’s talent as a cricketer has never been in doubt. But his temperament to suit the demands of Test cricket remains suspect. Some call him a strong candidate to lead a one-day team while many others put him down as too impetuous to be a good captain.

“I have not made any conscious effort. Honestly, it hardly matters what others feel as long as my team is comfortable with what I expect. In any case, I don’t take the decisions alone. I talk to Tom (Moody) and Mahela (Jayawardene) before making the choice,” explains Yuvraj.

In the Indian Premier League, Yuvraj has quietly led Kings XI Punjab to a position of strength. After two losses, the team won six of the last seven matches to move to the threshold of semifinals. Indeed, it is easy to lead a team that is winning. Kings XI has consistently found performers whenever the situation demanded. The early setbacks only steeled the resolve of this bunch of cricketers who appear far more dedicated than the rest in the competition.

Team spirit

“It was tough initially but then everyone needs time to understand each other. I am lucky to have such a wonderful combination. The players back each other strongly and especially someone who has not done well,” says Yuvraj.

A lot has been said about the captaincy and the decision-making abilities of captains like Shane Warne, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly and Shaun Pollock. On the other hand, Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman have received flak for their leadership in this competition. But very little has been said about the captaincy of Yuvraj and Virender Sehwag.

Though Sehwag has led front on a few occasions, Yuvraj is yet to fire in keeping with his batting prowess. Still, when it comes to marshalling his resources, Yuvraj has remained second to none. “I am aware of the fact that there is nothing like contributing towards a team’s victory. Believe me I am working hard at it.”

Without doubt, Kings XI has the right mix of batsmen and bowlers.

The fact that it did not exactly feel the absence of names like Brett Lee and Simon Katich reflects the team’s bench-strength.

With the players rising to the occasion, even the injury to Kumar Sangakkara, one of the key performers in the team’s scheme of things, has not slowed it down.

“This is where the team has risen and performed collectively. This collective strength is our strong point,” says Yuvraj

Among the bowlers, S. Sreesanth and Irfan Pathan have consistently taken wickets upfront to put the opposition under pressure. Piyush Chawla has clicked more often than not, with V.R.V. Singh and Gagandeep Singh contributing their bit.

“We have the right balance and I have known these players from close.”So has Punjab finally found the right combination earlier than most other teams? “I am happy as long as the players are giving their best.

In the process we bind well. Just see how well our stars (Lee, Katich, Jayawardene) have mixed with the younger lot. I am sure the youngsters have learnt a lot from their presence,” says Yuvraj.

Did he ever think of using this opportunity to showcase his captaincy skills? “I have enjoyed every bit of my captaincy. I always look to minimise mistakes. And I must thank the fans for their wonderful support,” says a grateful Yuvraj.

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