Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan plot comebacks to Indian team through IPL 8

Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan: The new Daredevils

New Delhi Daredevils recruits Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan said they are looking to make a comeback to Indian cricket team and make full use of the opportunity that they are getting in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both of the players were dropped from the Indian side and said that they want to concentrate on the IPL and make the most of it.

Yuvraj was bought by Delhi for a staggering record fee of Rs.16 crore in the auctions held in February. At a function where Daikin air-conditioning India Pvt Ltd. was announced as sponsors of Delhi Daredevils, Yuvraj said “I am confident of doing well and hope that things get better from here and I make it back into the team.”

The Punjab all-rounder feels this season of IPL to be very crucial for his career and for Delhi as well, who stood last in the table in IPL 7.

Feel at home in Delhi: Yuvraj

"It's an important season. I have had a good domestic season so hoping that I carry the same form into the IPL. It will be different because T20 is a different ball game," he said.

“Delhi Daredevils did not do too well last season, so it'll be great that as a unit we do well and help the team move forward. Delhi had some good first three seasons, so we hope that all goes well and we live up to our potential," he added.

Yuvraj, who last played an ODI for India in 2013, feels at home in Delhi and is hoping to meet the expectations of his fans.

"Dilli dilwalon ka hai (Delhi is for heartful souls). I fell at home here. I have been born and brought in North, so the culture and people are not new to me. Have played a lot of my cricket here so it's like a family and I hope that we play good cricket for our supporters," he said.

Enjoying playing cricket again: Zaheer

On the other hand, Zaheer who pulled out midway from IPL last year due to an injury while playing for Mumbai Indians, was bought for Rs. 4 crore by DD this season. He believes IPL to be a correct platform to make a comeback to Indian team.

"I am enjoying playing cricket again. I have been away from cricket for a while now, so just looking forward to get back. Taking one step at a time and IPL is definitely the first step," said Zaheer.

The 36-year-old left arm pacer is looking forward to work with the former coach of India, Gary Kirsten who joined DD in 2013.

"Gary is a very good coach and we have spent a lot of time together, so I hope that we are able to replicate our success with DD this time around. We know his working style, even he knows what to expect from us. So hope that we combine well this season to turn it around for Delhi this time around," said Zaheer.

Zaheer, who last played for India in early 2014, further added, “We are up for it. It's a new challenge. Lot of new faces this time in DD, so looking forward to it. We hopefully will be able to turn this season around for Delhi.”

Albie Morkel, among the many South African players who joined DD this year was also present at the event and feels excited to be led by Jean Paul Duminy.

"Obviously coming from South Africa it's an opportunity to play cricket in India again. It's a country where I really love playing the game. It's lovely be associated with Daredevils and as Zaheer said an opportunity to do something great. To try help the team achieve new goals . So from my point of view it's very exciting," Albie concluded.