Yuvraj Singh is the backbone of India’s batting line-up, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said, lauding his deputy’s contribution in the 2-1 series triumph over the West Indies. “He is the backbone of our batting line up. Coming in at number four, he always takes up the responsibility and sets up the platform for the batsmen down the order to contribute,” Dhoni said after the fourth and final match of the series was abandoned due to rain.

“When he sets himself up, rest assured he is in for a big score,” Dhoni, adjudged Man of the Series, said. Dhoni said a series triumph on foreign soil is always special and showered praise on his bowlers for adapting to the conditions.

“It’s a pleasure to win a series out of the country. The bowlers have taken the initiative, we have a very good bowling attack. The youngsters who came in and got a chance have proved themselves. I think we really have a very good side,” Dhoni said.

Dhoni said he was pleased to see Ishant Sharma return to form. Opening the attack on Sunday, Ishant was on target from the word go and sent packing hosts’ captain Chris Gayle for duck with the second ball of the innings. He gave away just 17 runs in his four overs.

“He (Ishant) was concentrating more on what he needs to do rather than looking at the batsman. In the earlier matches he was bowling one change but today he looked a totally different bowler with the new ball,” Dhoni added.

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