Says second edition of the IPL will provide players ideal preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup.
Strategy breaks being introduced in the second edition of the Indian Premier League was welcomed by Kings XI Punjab skipper Yuvraj Singh. Teams will be allowed a five-minute break after 10 overs in each innings, during which captains and coaches can rethink strategy. The move is also seen as ploy to allow the broadcaster to air more commercials.
“Having a five-minute break will allow skippers to re-think their strategy. The Twenty20 game is played at such a fast pace and strategies constantly change. This will allow captains to think and rework their plans and probably do things differently,” Yuvraj said on the sidelines of a Kings XI Punjab sponsor promotion event.
The 36-day IPL, Yuvraj said, would be an ideal preparation for the team for the Twenty20 World Cup that will be played in England from June 5 to 21. “The IPL has come at the right time to help all teams to prepare for the T20 World Cup. It will give all the players lot of practice as each team will play at least 14 matches.”
Yuvraj also stated captaining the side was a learning experience for him. “I enjoyed leading the team. The challenge was to get the best out of every player. It’s also about coming back after losing and how mentally strong you are as skipper.”
Yuvraj also added that he had spoken to Kings XI Punjab teammates Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, who were attacked by terrorists in Lahore. “I was batting in the middle with (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni when I heard that Sangakkara was attacked. My hands were trembling for a while and I couldn’t bat. I have spoken to them on the phone after the attacks.”
Preity Zinta, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab, said the team had roped in two medium-pacers who could spring a surprise in the tournament. “New South Wales right-arm medium pacer Burt Cockley is someone who can bowl at 140 kilometres per hour. Left-arm pacer Yusuf Abdullah too has been signed on and he is a very successful bowler in domestic cricket. We have the right combination,” Zinta said.
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