Colombo, Oct 2: India beat South Africa but failed to qualify for the semi-finals on account of their net run-rate being less than Pakistanās. However, one of the positives of the match and the tournament for India was the return of Yuvraj Singh. The all-rounder came back into the side and stepped into his role with ease. He played all of Indiaās matches, picked wickets and chipped in with the bat. As Yuvraj said, there is still work to be done, but with every game he is improving and we can see him returning to his old self. He even won the Man-of-the-Match award for his performance today.
Excerpts from his post-match chat:
On remarks regarding his place in the side
Yes, I heard somebody saying that, āI shouldnāt be playing in the first XI.ā It is just nice to get a few wickets. I couldnāt really do well with the bat, but the T20 format is a bit unpredictable, so thatās the way it goes.
On his striking ability
I think I need a bit of time and in T20 you donāt get much time. Hopefully, if I come back and play more one-day cricket and Test cricket I will get more time. I have got domestic cricket to play. So hopefully, the body will get used to it and I will get much fitter. Letās see how it goes in the near future.
On his bowling
God has been kind. I couldnāt do well with the bat and came and helped team with my bowling. I have been practicing my bowling and it was nice to get wickets and win the game today. Unfortunately, we didnāt qualify. We are disappointed about it, but it is nice to get a win.
On being able to play the whole tournament
Yes. I think I have improved with every game. Every game gave me more confidence. In the last game I could dive, getting a run-out; thatās me in the younger days. Hopefully, I can get better with each game.
On mixed emotions on winning but not qualifying for the semi-finals
It is unfortunate to not qualify for the semi-finals but that is the way it goes. Winning four games out of five, is a top effort; but so did Australia and Pakistan. But we landed up on the other side.
On what it meant to win the Man-of-the-Match
It means a lot. I have been through a very tough time and combing back has been special. I feel victorious. There was a time in my life when I thought I am never going to play again. But now I am standing here in front of you guys and playing for India again. It is a dream come true. I have this Man-of-the-Match with me and I am very thankful to the Almighty for giving me another chance in life. I would like to dedicate my Man-of-the-Match award to all the cancer patients and all the people who are going through it. I just want to say, āif Yuvi can, you can.ā I would also like to dedicate this special Man-of-the-Match award to my mother who has always been there by my side.
On whether the team was happy with the 152-run total
We wanted to get much more than that, but we lost early wickets. South Africa is a top bowling side. They have got pace attack and good spinners, so I think 150-odd was a par score to win the game. But we needed a 31-run difference because of the net run-rate situation. It was a bit unfortunate. I think it was a great team effort winning four games out of five; but thatās the way this game goes. It is unpredictable and we ended up not qualifying.
