Yuvraj surprised at Ponting’s neglect

SYDNEY: Yuvraj Singh has expressed surprise that Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist did not attract the big bucks in the IPL bidding. A day after his employers Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia roped in players like Brett Lee, Kumara Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, the India vice-captain said he is delighted with the line-up for the Mohali side.

“I feel it is an honour to be leading a side that has players like Mahela, Sanga and Brett. I’m looking forward to the competition,” Yuvraj Singh said here on Thursday.

The India middle order batsman disclosed that he had discussed the composition of the side with Preity, Ness and Tom Moody (the coach of the side) about the players to look for. “We’ve got the players we were looking for. We’re satisfied.”

Yuvraj felt that he would have preferred if the captain and the coach were at the auction but he doesn’t have any complaints because he has got the team he wanted.

Yuvraj expressed surprise at the price that Ponting and Gilchrist were taken for. “I’m shocked that Ricky did not go for more. He is a fine batsman and a brilliant fielder, an ideal choice for T20 cricket. Maybe, because of the uncertainty over his participation that he did not get enough money.”

He said, however,  there should not be any surprise caused by the prices paid for hiring Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Andrew Symonds. “I’m not surprised to see that. Both can hit the ball a long way. And Symonds’ is a good fielder. Both are fit for Twenty20 cricket.”