Twenty20 World Cup: Yuvraj Singh with bandaged knee after barefoot soccer practice

Football remained pretty much a part of Indian cricketers' training stints but what was unusual on Tuesday was that they played barefoot, the hour-long leisurely session reflecting the team's new-found confidence following its qualification to the World Twenty20 semifinals. It however left veteran Yuvraj Singh with a crepe bandage around his knees. (India take on South Africa in semis)

 

The Indian players trained at the BCB Cricket Academy ground here, three days ahead of their last-four clash against South Africa. (India the team to beat in World T20)

It was the first time that an Indian cricket team was having a full training session without wearing their sports shoes.

After the end of the session, senior cricketer and hero of last match, Yuvraj, was seen limping but the seriousness or extent of pain was not known.

Yuvraj normally wears knee braces during training but his left ankle was protected by a crepe bandage as he walked towards the team bus.

Asked about Yuvraj's condition, Indian team's trainer Nitin Patel said, "Why are you asking me? You know I am not supposed to answer any questions."

From a viewer's point, the training was something different. If you hail from West Bengal or Bangladesh, watching some of the megastars playing barefoot would certainly add a local flavour and force one to take a trip down memory lane.

No wonder, the best footballer on the park was skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, someone who could effortlessly use the inside and outside dodge, chip the ball while taking a free kick. Dhoni's childhood has been spent in MECON quarters in Ranchi and he has played football for DAV Shyamali. His game-sense is certainly a cut above his teammates.

When someone asked the reason for playing barefoot, Dhoni said with a straight face, "Paise khatam ho gaye (We don't have any money left)".

It's learnt from team sources that trainer Sudarshan had suggested the idea so that the players break the monotony.