Hungry for a win: Yuvraj

28th May 2008

As one of the forerunners in the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL), the Yuvraj Singh-led Kings XI Punjab are eager to secure a win in their last league game against Rajasthan Royals. Punjab will host the Shane Warne-led Jaipur team at the Punjab Cricket Association in Mohali on May 28.

Despite being the second team to qualify for the semi-finals, Punjab suffered a defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in their last game. They stand second behind Jaipur with a difference of two victories and four points.

"We are hungry to win after the previous match's loss," Yuvraj was quoted as saying in a pre-match press conference. "We have lost a match against them (Jaipur) earlier and we will look to win tomorrow," he added.

The left-hander insisted that they will have to strike a balance between batting, bowling and fielding. He did not sound very content with his team's fielding performance and reckoned that they needed to improve in that area.

The team will certainly look forward to a win in order to boost their preparations and confidence level for the all-important knockout round.

"After a win, definitely the confidence level is different, but in a Twenty20 game it is always the execution of your plans in a particular game that helps you," he said.

The last league game between the toppers - Jaipur and Punjab - is considered to be a virtual final. However, the result of the tie will not have any effect on the standings of the other teams.

According to the stylish southpaw, it is yet too early thinks about the final. "Our preparation is to win the immediate game and then win the semi-final."

Besides these two teams, Chennai and Delhi will be the contenders for the grand finale on June 1 of the inaugural edition of the IPL.