rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Cricket » Working on batting, weight in off-season has paid off: Yuvraj
This article was first published 10 years ago

Working on batting, weight in off-season has paid off: Yuvraj

September 16, 2013 09:11 IST

Image: Yuvraj Singh
Photographs: Pal Pillai/Getty Images

Yuvraj Singh, who smashed a blistering century for India 'A' against West Indies 'A' on Sunday, said his knock was very satisfying as it came against a high quality Windies attack.

Yuvraj's fiery ton helps India 'A' thrash Windies 'A'

Yuvraj spoke highly of pacer Ronsford Beaton and likened him to great Caribbean bowler Curtly Ambrose.

"I think it was a complete international attack. (Andre) Russell has played for his national side and Beaton is the future fast bowler for the West Indies. He reminds me of Curtly. Obviously, Curtly was great, but I think he has lot of potential and I think it was a very good attack," he said.

Yuvraj said hitting a hundred in the first game of the season was special.

"I think I have worked hard in my off-season on my batting and other skills in last couple of weeks," he said.

"Robin (Uthappa) and Mandy gave us a good start which allowed me and Yusuf (Pathan) to catch up at the end."

Yuvraj showered praise on his private French trainer Tim Exeter for making him and Zaheer Khan, who is also on a comeback trail, match fit.

'I am just happy I am playing and scoring runs'

Image: Yuvraj Singh
Photographs: Pal Pillai/Getty Images

"It was organised by National Cricket Academy physio Ashish Kaushik. NCA has always supported me, and the people who believed in me, I thank them all," he said.

Yuvraj said he has shed a few kilos and feeling stronger and moving quickly on the ground.

"I was always quick on the field and I just worked on those aspects and I am feeling better," he added.

Asked to comment on not being picked for four-day matches, Yuvraj said he is least bothered of the kind of matches as long as he is scoring runs.

"I have got an opportunity to play. I don't know whether it is four-day match and Test cricket; I am just happy I am playing and scoring runs. I don't know what is going to happen in the future," he said.

Admitting the pressure a player faces while making a comeback, Yuvraj said he accepts such challenges which bring the best out of him and exuded confidence he would get the national selectors' nod.

He also welcomed facing challenge from performing youngsters, saying it is good for the future of Indian cricket.