With a sparkling 260-run knock Yuvraj Singh helped Punjab overhaul Baroda’s mammoth score and secure a first innings lead in the ongoing Ranji Trophy tournament. The stand-in captain, who has led the team for the first four games had scored 177 in Punjab’s only win of the season so far.
Speaking about the knock which came after having fielded for almost more than a day and a half, he said, “It was pretty satisfying, but I am a bit disappointed to miss out on a triple hundred, because I though t I had concentrated pretty hard for almost two days (and) it would have been good to get a triple hundred. I have never scored a triple hundred in a domestic game.”
“But the more important thing was to see the team through, since we were chasing a big total of 529 set by Baroda,” he emphasized.
During his knock, which is also now his highest score, Yuvraj passed 8500 runs in first-class cricket (now 8719). Reflecting on the milestones, he said, “It’s a pretty long journey, and it’s good to hear about these things when you cross certain milestones.”
“You feel good about it, but the point is to carry on when you are batting well and to score as many runs as you can in the whole season,” he added.
While the stylish left-hand batsman has scored double hundreds in the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup, this is his first in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. “It is high time I scored a double hundred in my career in Ranji Trophy. It has come after a very long time. I am happy about it; happy that the team went through. I think 529 was a big total and to overhaul it was a good effort,” he reiterated while speaking about the achievement.
While Yuvraj carried the team to a first innings lead, he was well complemented by young Manan Vohra, who also scored his maiden double ton. Their partnership for the third wicket which helped tip the balance in Punjab’s favour was worth 343 runs. Speaking about the partnership and the young Punjab opener, the all-rounder said, “I think Manan is a very talented youngster. In the last two -three seasons he has not been able to make a big score; he has had small totals. I think he has worked pretty hard at his game and this double-century will give him a lot of confidence. It will (help him) change his mindset and shape it in a way that will help in scoring big runs as an opener. He has great work ethics and is very hard working. I am very happy for his success, he deserves it.”
Yuvraj was also very appreciative of Baroda’s stand in captain Deepak Hooda’s knock. While speaking about his team, the senior cricketer, also mentioned, “Hooda scored 293 not out and it was a special innings. He is someone who is doing really well and I would like to congratulate him on his brilliant innings.”
With the tournament at a half-way stage every point would make difference. While discussing the significance of the first innings lead which granted them three points, Yuvraj Singh said, “It is very important because we don’t have too many points in our kitty. This is the first, first innings lead we have got. (Before the round, Punjab had a win, a loss and a draw). Playing at neutral venues it makes it a bit tougher because you are not playing in your known conditions. You have to do what the situation demands. Hopefully in last few matches we should be able to take the required number of points to qualify for the knock outs.
Asked if teams have to plan differently for playing at neutral venues he said, “You don’t have to plan differently. You are playing cricket you have to stick to your basics and you just have to analyse the situation of the game. Whatever conditions that you get you have to give your best and perform in those conditions.”
Speaking about leading and shaping the side, the stand-in Punjab captain said, “When Harbhajan is not there, I have the opportunity to lead the boys. I think it is a great bunch of boys. I really enjoy playing for Punjab. We are a family, we all give our hundred percent. It is a lot of fun playing with the juniors, and they are learning from all the experience that they are having with me. Hopefully that can help them in the future.”
