Sport - Cricket

I had prepared well: Yuvraj

Colombo: Having stoked expectations with an exhibition of power-hitting in Friday’s practice match, Yuvraj Singh said India’s success in the five-match ODI series would depend on “playing according to the conditions, not people’s expectations”.

The 26-year-old left-hander, who starred in India’s comfortable win, was asked what the victory signified in the larger context of the tour. “Murali and Mendis will be different,” he replied.

“But this was also an international-class attack and the pitch was a little double-paced, the ball wasn’t always coming on. Winning (such a) match is very important because you are expected to win these types of games, and when you don’t it sets you back.”

Yuvraj said that the knock fortified his confidence. “I had prepared well before coming here, keeping in mind the conditions in Sri Lanka, the targets of the team, and it’s nice that I succeeded immediately in the practice match.”

Was not being picked for the Tests motivation? “There’s always the motivation to score runs whether you miss out or you don’t. You always want to perform at your best. I want to make sure this time I better my performances from last time.”

What learning can the team take to Dambulla, where the first two ODIs will be played? “Dambulla will be different conditions from here, so we have to have small, small partnerships to make a good score. It’s important we play according to the conditions, not people’s expectations,” said Yuvraj. — Special Correspondent

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