Playing in the second edition of the Indian Premier League in South Africa will be ideal preparation for Team India as it gears up to defend its Twenty20 World Cup title in June, feels all-rounder Yusuf Pathan.
"The IPL is a good opportunity for the Indian team to prepare before it heads for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup," said Yusuf, who was a member of the triumphant Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Indian team in South Africa in 2007.
Yusuf will leave for South Africa on Tuesday night along with his other Rajasthan Royals' team-mates for the second edition of the 37-day IPL, starting April 18.
Congratulating Indian Test team on its historic victory in New Zealand, the all-rounder said, "It was a very good performance. As a team we are playing very well. We are enjoying each others success."
He said playing the cash-rich T20 league on foreign pitches will be a good experience for all players.
Talking about Rajasthan Royals' preparations to defend the crown they won last year, he said, "We have got together; the preparations are going well."
Asked whether the absence of Sohail Tanvir, who won the 'Purple Cap' after emerging the best bowler last year, will hurt the team, Yusuf replied, "It is not about a single player, but an entire team of 11 players. We will try to play well."
