This knock will release pressure off Yuvraj: MS Dhoni

By performing well in his comeback game post a serious illness, Yuvraj Singh can afford to be his normal self as the pressure is now off his head, says India skipper MS Dhoni.

Yuvraj played an aggressive 34-run cameo in India's unsuccessful chase against New Zealand in the second T20, last night.

"From tomorrow, he can do whatever he wants to. It's just about giving that individual a bit of space so that he can think about what he needs to do. Especially given that he is playing after 10 months, you will put pressure on him because he doesn't know where he stands. Now that he has done well, he can do whatever he wants," Dhoni said after a narrow one-run defeat.

Dhoni said Yuvraj apart from his batting, gives the side a good balance by contributing with his spin bowling.

"It was a big game for him. All the eyes were on him. It was good to see him on the field. I personally feel that he gives us the right kind of balance we need.

"Of course he is not someone who will bowl all four overs in a T20 game but I can use his variations. If you see our bowling line up, we have to play with four specialist bowlers and the fifth bowler will be all these part timers," he said.

Dhoni said a player may have to encounter such problems but the key was to forget it when you enter the field.

"Once you go onto the field you don't think about all these things. I have always believed that if some of these things happen, you should try to keep it simple. You will get in and play big knocks. We all know his batting is among the best in the world so I am really happy for him."

... contd.

ALSO READ

Overseas success makes Pakistan strong contender in Champions Trophy: Hafeez

Mayweather too hot

IPL 2013: It's going to be tough game against Punjab, says Daniel Vettori

IPL 2013: Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Dravid fashion Rajasthan Royals' win