Yuvraj Singh hits quick-fire half-century ahead of IPL 2019

Yuvraj was bought for Rs. 1 crore by the Mumbai franchise at the auction ahead of the season. He went unsold in the first round of the auction but was picked by Mumbai Indians in the second round.

Yuvraj Singh turned back the clock on Friday as he slammed 80 runs off just 57 deliveries for Air India during their DY Patil T20 Cup encounter against Mumbai Customs. Yuvraj, who will be representing Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, smashed seven boundaries and four sixes in his flamboyant innings.

Yuvraj Singh poses prior to the 2018 Laureus World Sports Awards. (Getty Images for Laureus)

Yuvraj was bought for Rs. 1 crore by the Mumbai franchise at the auction ahead of the season. He went unsold in the first round of the auction but was picked by Mumbai Indians in the second round.

READ: Pandya joining India squad gives out wrong signal to Vijay Shankar: BCCI officials

The 37-year-old left-hander, who last played for India in June 2017, was a part of the Kings XI Punjab squad last season and had a woeful season with the bat post which he was released by the franchise ahead of the auction.

Yuvraj Singh had earlier said that he will still try and play the World Cup in May-June despite struggling to re-capture his form in recent times.

READ:  Team India receives a traditional welcome in Mount Maunganui - Watch

The 37-year-old, who was picked by Mumbai Indians for his base price of Rs 1 crore at the IPL auctions, has set his sights on the T20 extravaganza to make his bid for a comeback.

“I’m trying my best. This is our final league Ranji Trophy match and let’s see if we can qualify... After this, we have the national T20 tournament and then we have the IPL. I will give my best shot and hope for the best,” Yuvraj said.