India's 2-1 triumph over South Africa in the off-shore series has been
a tale of two batsmen.
If Sachin Tendulkar hogged the headlines at the start with his two 90-plus
knocks but Yuvraj Singh put the smiles back on the Indian team by sealing
victory in the last two matches.
While the return of Tendulkar's old brilliance, although in
flashes, would have warmed the cackles of the Indian fans, to see Yuvraj play
the crucial role of finisher to perfection would be a better reason to rejoice.
And, as if symbolising the passing of the baton, the master
batsman decided to share the man of the series award with the Punjab left-hander.
"It is only because of Yuvraj that we are holding this
trophy," Tendulkar said.
Captain Rahul Dravid, ever the eloquent, was not at
a loss for words to praise Yuvraj either.
"He's got the power, he's got the skill and he's matching
that power and skill with temperament, mental strength and brains. That's a
deadly combination," Dravid said after the six-wicket win in the third
and final one-dayer on Sunday.
"He has been a fantastic finisher for us. He is up there among the best
one-day players in the world without a doubt. It's not an easy job to do under
pressure and he does it really well."
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