Yuvraj Singh concedes difficulties in playing spin with the pink ball

34-year old Yuvraj Singh was one of the first few players to endorse the pink ball in Test matches concept. However, having featured in the Duleep Trophy and having played with the pink ball, Yuvraj has conceded that it certainly is not easy to play with the pink ball.

The batsmen, in particular, have had a well-documented problem with the pink ball and have lost wickets like nine pins. Yuvraj, who played his last against England in Kolkata in 2012 was one of the first few players shortlisted by the BCCI to experiment with the new pink ball and night-Test match concept. Yuvraj also went on to add the difficulty he faced whilst facing Kuldeep Yadav.

“I felt that picking a wrist spinner is a bit difficult. I realized when I was standing in the slips that batsmen were actually struggling to pick the wrist spinner (Kuldeep). I felt that pink ball didn’t swing as much as the red ball does when it has shine,” Yuvraj told reporters.

“As I said how much it will spin on a turning track, wrist spinner will obviously get help from the pink ball you will only know after the match. There is less turn for finger spinners (off-spinner) and the glaze is like old Sonnex balls (used in Ranji Trophy in the 80’s). Whatever happens, it happens for the wrist spinners.

Also read – Ravichandran Ashwin seeks help for electricity troubles at his home

The 34-year old also went on to add that the older version of the pink ball did not swing as viciously as it did in the initial parts of the innings. “I honestly felt that the pink ball didn’t swing much and didn’t get old. It was coming on to the bat very nicely. I don’t know how it is going to play on a turning track.

Cheteshwar Pujara, a Test specialist for the Indian team went on to add that the wicket in the final would turn. “It’s challenging to pick the ball under lights but it’s not that you can’t. Ultimately you have to watch the ball and play. At times, you have to accept the fact that some things might be challenging because when you are batting at 2 pm, you are able to sight the ball really well.

“So even in Test cricket if you are batting in the first session and if the wicket is green you have to see through the new ball and if it’s a turning track the ball will spin so you have to adjust to whatever is in front of you,” said Pujara.

India Blue take on India Red in the final of the Duleep Trophy.

Also Watch: Virat Kohli surprised at the theft of a shipment