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'Pune never believed Yuvi was captaincy material'

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly revealed that Pune Warriors management never thought that Yuvraj Singh is a "captaincy material" after the team's debacle in the 2011 IPL when they finished last ahead.

"The management had decided not to make Yuvraj captain again after our first season (in 2011 where the team finished last). They thought he (Yuvraj) was not a captaincy material -- not the one who could lead the side. It was a decision that was taken after our first season (2011)," Ganguly told a regional TV channel.

Mathews was dropped as Taylor became the franchise's fifth skipper from three seasons and the Kiwi led the side to a convincing 24-run win over Chennai Super Kings.

'Steven Smith was impressive'

As it turned out, Steven Smith, who was Mathews' replacement, came up with a match-winning performance with his pyrotechnic 39 not out as PWI looked a transformed side.Ganguly felt PWI would stick to the line-up in future.

"The team looked balanced. Dinda did very well, while Rahul Sharma was magnificent. The foreign line-up in Finch, Taylor, Smith and Marsh also looked a settled unit.

"I would be surprised if they change the combination for the line-up against Surisers Hyderabad (tomorrow)," Ganguly said.

The left-hander further said the Pune franchise have it in them to make the last four.

"They can make the last-four. They have some big hitters in Uthappa, Finch, Taylor, Smith and Marsh who can win on their own. Their bowling in Bhuvaneshwar, Dinda and Sharma also look settled. They have to keep the momentum," Ganguly said.