DY Patil T20 Cup: Yuvraj shines with an 80-run knock ahead of the IPL
What's the story?
In the DY Patil T20 Cup for Air India against Mumbai Customs held today, Indian player Yuvraj Singh blazed away with a knock of 80 runs in 57 deliveries. With this knock, Yuvraj Singh has sent out a strong message to his doubters ahead of the veteran's upcoming IPL stint with the Mumbai Indians.
The background
Yuvraj Singh last made an appearance for the Indian team in June 2017 and has been in dismal form since then. He was picked up the Kings XI Punjab in the previous IPL season where he just made 8 appearances for the franchise. It was a disappointing season for the Punjab all-rounder as he was released by his home-franchise to the auctions.
Yuvraj Singh was not picked up by any team in the initial rounds of the auction which threatened to end to his IPL career. However, 3-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians picked up the veteran at his base price of Rs 1 crore late in the auction.
With a decent batting performance today, Yuvraj Singh will now look to keep the momentum going until the IPL and try to keep up the faith the franchise has in him.
The details
Representing Air India, Yuvraj Singh's quickfire 80 included seven boundaries and four sixes which came off in just 57 deliveries. It was a stroke-filled knock but it did not help his team register a win as they lost by nine wickets to Mumbai Customs.
Yuvraj Singh came in to bat after Air India had lost two wickets for just 12 runs. He put on a 51-run partnership with Paul Valthaty for the third wicket. Air India then lost 2 wickets before Yuvi put on yet another impressive partnership of 88 runs with Sujit Nayak. Air India compiled a score of 169/7 which was easily chased by Mumbai Customs who lost just 1 wicket in the process.
What's next?
Yuvraj Singh has now entered the final stages of his cricketing life and his upcoming IPL season with the Mumbai Indians will decide the course of his career. Although a comeback to the Indian team seems far now, Yuvraj Singh's good performance with the Mumbai Indians could help him have a late burst in his illustrious career.