My game is back: Yuvraj Singh

Says he needed some time in the middle

Yuvraj Singh bats against Sri Lanka in 2016 Asia Cup T20. (AP)

 

Mirpur: Flamboyant left-handed batsman Yuvraj Singh said he felt like he rediscovered his old touch en route to a breezy 35, which played a pivotal role in India's five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup here.

The 34-year-old, who made a comeback in the national T20 team in January this year, shared a 51-run partnership with Virat Kohli (56 not out).

"Today was one of those days where I felt my flow was back. I needed a bit of a flow out there to feel good. I felt being positive out there when I got a few hits off my bat. I felt that my game is back," Yuvraj told bcci.tv.

"I just needed some time in the middle. I have been trying to get as much batting time as possible and I believe I have been picking up slowly," he said. Yuvraj, who blasted three sixes and as many fours during his 18-ball knock, said he targeted Rangana Herath as he was a left-arm spinner.

"I was assessing which bowlers I am going to attack and which bowlers I won't. I told myself that if a left-arm spinner is bowling, then I am going to go and attack straight away. Any left-hand batsman who can hit sixes will go after left-arm spin," said Yuvraj.

"If an off-spinner is bowling, a right-hander is bound to target him and go after him. You have a game plan when you walk out to bat and at times it works and at times it doesn't. Tonight I just wanted to be positive and hit the ball straight away and deliver for the team," he elaborated.

Yuvraj, who made a patient 14 in India's five-wicket over Pakistan, stressed on spending time in the middle.

"Last game, it was a different situation where we needed to take a spell out and get a partnership going. I took my time out there where I could leave a lot of balls and get a partnership going along with Virat Kohli. It was a small total so I could take a lot of time," he said.

"This game we needed more than seven runs an over so it was important for me to be positive tonight. I just wanted to go and get my flow back. Once my flow is back, I feel that I belong here. I take a lot of confidence from this innings because I needed a few big hits and when you are striking the ball like I was today, it gives you a lot of confidence going into the next games," he explained.

Yuvraj heaped praise on Kohli, who played his second consecutive match-winning innings in the tournament. 

"I feel he has been in the form of his life for the last five to six years. He has been very consistent and he knows his role really well. He is batting beautifully and I hope he continues to do that," he said.

Player of the tournament in India's 50 over World Cup win in 2011, Yuvraj is likely to play an important role in the team's World T20 campaign later this month. 

"I want to get better every game. Hopefully, I can continue this good run ahead. I believe it is my responsibility to go and change the game (scenario) for the team. Hopefully, I can do it more than once," he said.