'IPL ideal preparation ahead of T20 World Cup'

Playing in the second edition of the Indian premiere League in South Africa would be ideal preparation for Team India as it gears up to defend its Twenty20 World Cup title in June, feels all-rounder Yusuf Pathan.

Playing in the second edition of the Indian premiere League in South Africa would be ideal preparation for Team India as it gears up to defend its Twenty20 World Cup title in June, feels all-rounder Yusuf Pathan.

"The IPL is a good opportunity for the Indian team to prepare before it heads for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup," said Yusuf, who was a member of the triumphant Indian team captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni in South Africa in 2007.

Yusuf will leave for South Africa on Tuesday night along with his other Rajasthan Royals' team-mates for the second edition of the 37-day IPL, starting from the April 18.

Congratulating Indian Test team on its historic victory in New Zealand, the all-rounder said, "It was a very good performance. As a team we are playing very well. We are enjoying each others success."

The flamboyant batsman said playing the cash-rich T20 league on foreign pitches would be a good experience for the players.

He said that IPL champions Rajasthan Royals' were gearing up for the defence of their title.

"We have got together. The preparations are going well," Yusuf said.