Yuvraj Singh revealed his comeback plans, the nature of the pitches in the country, and Virat Kohli’s leadership skills among other things in a freewheeling chat with The Hindu , after Punjab defeated Tamil Nadu in two days in their Ranji Trophy encounter here.
Excerpts
Reading of the pitch: I have never seen a pitch like this in the last 20 years that I have played the game. Pitch is definitely under-prepared. This can cause serious injury to batsmen. It is so difficult.
Pitches being prepared for domestic cricket: See I have no issues with pitches being prepared for an outright win but if the ball is going up and down it can really be dangerous for the batsman. A team with 18 or 20 points would certainly be desperate to qualify.
But that does not mean it should turn from ball one and the match should finish in two days. State associations need to have a word with the curator on this issue.
Rahul Dravid’s views on domestic pitches: He is right. As a captain of the team I will ask the curator for a pitch which will suit my team’s strengths. It has to deteriorate slowly over a four-day period. Five-day matches cannot finish in three days nor four-day matches in two.
You want to exploit home advantage against visiting teams and win matches but bowlers and batsman need to get a fair chance. Batsman should not feel uncertain after every delivery. It is similar to what happens when we go abroad when they prepare bouncy or seaming pitches.
Ravi Shastri’s contrary view of having pitches turning from ball one and your view on the pitches at Mohali and Nagpur: I don’t know what he has said and neither have I seen the two Tests but my opinion is that the pitch should give a fair chance to all.
Thoughts on a comeback: I am working really hard. The domestic limited overs tournaments are coming up and I want to perform really well in that to earn a recall as there are a lot of ODI and T20 tournaments coming up.
Talks regarding your marriage: It is been happening for some time and I am not commenting on my personal life.
His father’s comment on M.S. Dhoni being responsible for his ouster from the national team: I have never had any issues with Dhoni. I am always ready to play under him. My father’s comments were his personal views. I have clarified that on Twitter. I do not want to comment on this issue anymore.
Dhoni’s need for a finisher in ODI’s: I would love to be that person. And hopefully I can get an extended run. It is extremely difficult to perform straight away. I would like to cement my place in the side in that role.
Virat Kohli’s aggressive attitude: I am very happy with the way he has captained the side. He is best when he is aggressive. He has become more mature. He has already played a lot of matches. He will take Indian cricket forward. You need to give him some time. Media is always at him. There is no point in curbing his aggression as you don’t want him to change completely.
Things changing since the 2011 World cup win: Look at the mountain behind this ground. I was on top of it at the end of the 2011 World Cup. Then I came straight down after being diagnosed with cancer at the peak of my career. I could not play for a year and a half. I am thankful that I am playing the game. Now I am trying to work my way back. My body is shaping up well.
Dindigul as a venue: It is an extraordinary venue with excellent facilities. The crowds were terrific. I would love to come back again to play here, provided the wicket is good.
Published - December 04, 2015 12:27 am IST
