Ranji Trophy 2018/19: Yuvraj Singh Took 28 Balls to Get off the Mark

For the Ranji Trophy 2018/19 game between Delhi and Punjab at the Feroz Shah Kotla, veteran Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh got picked. Expectedly, there was the buzz in the stadium, as the World-Cup winner walked out to bat after 408 days. The story doesn’t end here, as Yuvraj had hit his first runs off the 28th delivery.

Veteran Yuvraj returns to Ranji setup

Meanwhile, since the Windies series in 2017, Yuvraj Singh has been asked to sit out of the side. Moreover, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the IPL recently released him ahead of the 2019 auctions, scheduled on December 16th.

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Earlier, as quoted by him, Yuvraj had made way for the youngsters in the squad, but now had returned for the Group B fixtures between the two sides in Delhi. In addition to, he replaced Shubman Gill who joined India A on their tour of New Zealand.

Furthermore, Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir had scored only one run, as Delhi got bundled out for 107 runs after winning the toss and batting first. However, everyone’s eyes were on Yuvraj Singh, as for how he would start the campaign after 408 days. Punjab didn’t start well as Punjab lost their two wickets with 38 runs on the board. Yuvraj came into bat at number five and was looking nervy at the start.

It took 28 balls to get going for Yuvraj Singh

The 36-year-old finally get off the mark after facing 28 balls and breathed a sigh of relief. The entire stadium was delighted to see Yuvraj Singh scoring the first run of a paddle sweep. It would have been more interesting had that shot had gone for a boundary.

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However, by the end of day’s play, Punjab were 136 for three, and they took a lead of 29 runs. Mandeep Singh was unbeaten on 54 and Yuvraj Singh on 16. Siddharth Kaul was the pick of the bowlers in the first innings, who bagged six wickets to his name. He ended up with an excellent bowling spell of six for 32. Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh and Gautam Gambhir will be the two most experienced players up for grabs in the upcoming IPL auctions.