IPL: Yuvraj down with flu; doubtful to play against Kings XI

Troubled by a bout of flu, Yuvraj Singh is a doubtful starter in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s match against Kings XI Punjab, a team he has led in the past.

Tom Moody praised Yuvraj, saying that the left-hander has been hitting the ball well.

Troubled by a bout of flu, Yuvraj Singh is a doubtful starter in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s match against Kings XI Punjab, a team he has led in the past.

On Thursday, coach Tom Moody neither confirmed nor ruled out Yuvraj making the playing XI in his ‘home’ game on Friday. Answering questions on Thursday, Moody said, “I have been pretty pleased with Yuvraj. He’s been striking the ball well (but) unfortunately he is suffering with flu hence, had to miss a couple of games. But apart from that he looks in good shape. Plenty of runs left in his bat for the reminder of the tournament.”

Talking about the approach of the team at the halfway stage of the Indian Premier League, Moody said, “At this point of the tournament, you will be foolish to take any team lightly. Kings XI are at that point where they are desperate to secure a couple of wins. We are equally as desperate to secure wins as we want to hold our position up in that top portion of the table. From this point, there are going to be some pretty cool matches that is going to really influence the table.”

Meanwhile, former West Indies skipper Darren Sammy had a full session of practice a day after joining the squad. It remains to be seen whether home team management deems it fit to include him in the playing XI.