From being a World Cup hero in 2011 to being a mere spectator at home; such is the life of Indian batting star Yuvraj Singh.
From being a World Cup hero in 2011 to being a mere spectator at home; such is the life of Indian batting star Yuvraj Singh.
The flamboyant southpaw is hardly seen in Indian colours these days and if reports are to be believed, ‘Yuvi’ might not get the nod from the BCCI selectors in the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Furthermore, Yuvraj may also find himself out the central contract when the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) releases a new list for the 2014-15 season soon.
Currently, Yuvraj in the Grade B class which has the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, M Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Umesh Yadav, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rohit Sharma and receive a sum of INR 50 lakhs from the BCCI.
But with the World Cup on the horizon, Yuvraj Singh seems to reaching the twilight of his playing career. The man of the tournament in 2011, Yuvraj was also the hero back in 2007 T20 World Cup where he hit 6 sixes off Stuart Broad. Despite his celebrated past records, the Indian all-rounder has failed to impress the selectors and was not included in the ODI squad announced for the upcoming Sri Lanka series as well.
But if the selectors are looking to omit the star batsman, well they are making a grave mistake!
The following 6 reasons will tell you why the BCCI must not ignore Yuvraj Singh for the upcoming World Cup:
1 – Experience COUNTS!
If BCCI is thinking of sending a young side to the ICC Cricket World Cup, well, think again fellas! Even with Ravi Shastri and Duncan Fletcher in the backroom staff, the players are short on experience on Aussie tracks and might face some ‘sweet chin music’ from the likes of Dale Steyn and Mitchell Johnson. That’s where the presence of Yuvraj Singh will tick all the boxes as the former’s experience in such conditions might be beneficiary for the likes of Ambati Rayudu and Shikhar Dhawan.
2 – Made for the BIG stage
Remember 2007 T20 World Cup or the 2011 Cricket World Cup where Yuvraj went ‘bonkers’! Even though the southpaw is not in good rhythm, Yuvraj is a champion and what might be his last World Cup, could turn out be India’s trump card yet again!
3 – All-round abilities
Every Indian cricket fan knows Yuvraj’s bowling skills from the 2011 World Cup and with the current lot facing a dilemma over the sixth bowler, MS Dhoni might give his ‘old pal’ a look.
4 – His ‘special bond’ with Virat Kohli
Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli share a special bond – friendship. The duo is known for some off the field antics and it is known to hit on the field as well. It was Virat Kohli who suggested Vijay Mallya to pluck Yuvraj in the Royal Challengers Bangalore side for the IPL 2014 season and who knows the Delhi lad might do the favour in India as well!
5 – Stabilising middle-order
With Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni, the Indian middle-order is hard nut to crack but what if either of the two get injured or perhaps don’t click? That’s where Yuvi steps in and might just prove handy for Dhoni and co. at crucial moment.
6 – Let him GO out as a HERO!
Yuvraj has represented India in 3 World Cups so far which includes the 2011 victory that won only its second ever title after the historic 1983 triumph. Even though he might be struggling for form and runs, Yuvraj needs a shot at the big tourney! What could be his last World Cup, let him go out on a HIGH!
