Yuvraj Singh's presence created a buzz in the Pune Warriors India camp ahead of the game here on Thursday.
The India all-rounder and former PWI captain was at his ebullient self at the Subrata Roy Sahara stadium, trading hugs with teammates, breaking into smiles when Deccan Chargers players walked across the greet him and talking into TV microphones. The sparkle in his eyes and body language reflected the fighter on the field.
He got a feel of some batting, lazily swinging at balls bounced to him at the crease, after PWI had finished its pre-match routine and retired to the dressing room to tune up for the night's game.
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Yuvraj is still searching for a utility all-rounder to make up for his prolonged absence from the IPL following his treatment abroad. Michael Clarke, the high profile replacement for him, is expected to join the squad in May.
Though PWI has stroke-players Manish Pandey, Robin Uthappa, Jesse Ryder and Steve Smith to make up for Yuvraj's absence, the team is in search of a replacement for his clever slow left-arm bowling.