New-ball bowlers have set up winning pattern

In the game of glorious uncertainties, we are seeking some certainty - in terms of preparations, performance and effort every game. Yuvraj Singh elaborates.

In the game of glorious uncertainties, we are seeking some certainty - in terms of preparations, performance and effort every game. Although it's hard to control the result, if you keep your intensity high and set standards in terms of commitment and endeavour, results should come in your favour.

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That's what we have tried in the last two games. There was a pattern to our wins against Kings XI Punjab and Kochi Tuskers. In both the games, we lost the toss and were asked to bowl first.

We bowled well with the new ball and came back to chase and win. Just like the first game, our bowlers responded to the challenge, bowled in good areas to take four wickets in succession. In fact, before the start of the match I told someone it would be great to get four wickets with the new ball.

I wish I had asked for something more. But unlike the first game, we lost momentum in the middle. There was a time during the game where we thought the chase was out of bounds.

Youth brigade
But players like Robin Uthappa and Mohnish Mishra have amazing self belief and IPL gives them this great platform to display their skills in tough circumstances.

Uthappa with his brilliant counter attack opened the game for us and Mishra mixed caution with aggression to take us home.

I had a word with Uthappa about his reverse sweep which cost him his wicket and could have cost us the game as well.

When you have got the chase under control with a run-a-ball situation, you can cut down on manufactured shots and play normal cricket to reach home. But he is a special cricketer and every innings like this will be a learning curve for this bright young boy.

There are a few areas we would like to improve before taking on Delhi Daredevils. Now, once you take control of the game, don't let it go. Delhi Daredevils are looking for a victory and they would come hard at us.

PMG