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Yuvraj positive despite defeats

Special Correspondent

MOHALI: These are tough times for Yuvraj Singh and his team Kings XI Punjab. Two losses on the trot have dented the confidence of the team that was once considered among the probable front-runners in the Indian Premier League.

“I know nothing comes easy in cricket, so I am positive and preparing well,” said Yuvraj, sounding like a captain who is down but not out. “This is my first tournament as a captain. I have made mistakes but also learnt from them,” he said.

He declined to identify the problem areas and how the team was working to get its act together. He also evaded questions on the possible combination that takes on Mumbai Indians on Friday.

Working hard

“We have lost two matches and it is not a happy situation. We are trying to rectify the problems and working hard at the ‘nets’ to sort things out. Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia (the owners of Kings XI Punjab) obviously feel bad about the losses but are happy with the efforts we are putting in,” said the skipper.

On Yuvraj’s captaincy in the two matches, coach Tom Moody said, “he stayed cool and surely, like me, feels frustrated on not having early success. But he is working hard to get the desired results.”

Exciting

Moody said it was exciting to be the Punjab coach. “We have a large squad (of around 30) but only 16-17 players are considered for selection. The other young players are involved in skill training. They also attend all the team meetings.

“This will be a great experience for these players. They get to interact with several experienced players in the dressing room. Surely, after this experience, the youngsters will be fast-tracked into the team in the future.”

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