Yuvraj Singh might be India's trump card in this World Cup, but arch-rivals Pakistan have a capable man to foil him in the semi-final: team manager Intikhab Alam
Yuvraj Singhu00a0might be India's trump card in this World Cup, but arch-rivals Pakistan have a capable man to foil him in the semi-final: team manager Intikhab Alam.
Former Test spinner Intikhab has an advantage over officials or support staff of other teams when it comes to plotting Yuvraj's downfall.
Having been the coach of the Punjab state team for two seasons (2004 to 2006), the 69-year-old knows a bit about what makes the Indian left-hander click, although Yuvraj played only a few matches under him.
Besides, born in Lahore, Alam has good knowledge of the Punjabi culture which means he can also read the Turbanator's head.
"Both Harbhajan and Yuvraj are tremendous cricketers and match winners. Yuvraj especially has proved himself in this World Cup. I am very happy to watch both the players," Intikhab told MiD DAY. "Yuvraj is in dream form. He played a few matches when I was the coach of the Punjab senior team. Then, I told him to play to his potential. He has tremendously improved since then."
Intikhab has not been in touch with the duo since his stint with Punjab ended. He said he would be speaking to themu00a0 before the semi-final.
He was diplomatic when asked how he viewed the prospect of facing the two players from the rival camp. "Let's see what happens on (March) 30th," he said.
Intikhab, who represented Pakistan in 47 Tests, was also the manager-cum-coach of the 1992 World Cup-winning side. "The current team is vastly different from the 1992 side," he said.
"That was a superstar-studded team. Every player in that side was a star, whereas this side has only two-three stars. But the best thing about this team is that they play as a unit.
"This time (in the World Cup) it's all about team effort. That's why they have mixed very well," he added.
How does find Shahid Afridi as a captain in comparison with Imran Khan?u00a0 "Shahid is a very positive guy, a very active captain like Imran. He keeps himself involved with all the members of the team. And the key is that he leads from the front," Intikhab said.
