On Tuesday, it was made official that Yuvraj Singh will not be joining the 15-man Indian World Cup squad participating in cricket’s biggest tournament this year in Australia and New Zealand.
On Tuesday, it was made official that Yuvraj Singh will not be joining the 15-man team participating in the ICC World Cup tournament this year in Australia and New Zealand.
Before the selectors met at the BCCI headquarters, there were reports that Yuvraj was being considered and with the slightest of luck, he could make it into the team.
However, when the team was announced later on Tuesday afternoon, Yuvraj’s omission did take many people by surprise.
Here are a few reasons why this Indian team will miss the swashbuckling southpaw during the major cricketing event –
Yuvraj is the Best All-rounder for India
When Yuvraj Singh’s name is mentioned, you don’t just hear people talking about his batting. In fact, he is a handy spin bowler and a great fielder. His fielding has, on many occasions, helped India save around 40-50 runs making a major difference in the opposition’s overall score. At the moment, his shoes can be filled only by Ravindra Jadeja, who is not 100% fit. If Jadeja fails to be fit for the tournament, India might suffer a major setback in the fielding and bowling departments.
Yuvraj is a Handy Fifth Bowler
Remember what Dhoni did when the main Indian bowlers failed to get a wicket for an extended duration? He tossed the ball to Yuvraj. Yuvraj is one of the trickiest bowlers to bat against. His variations in the air and unexpected spin on the ball have caused trouble for many top order batsmen. Team India had been infamous for not having a good fifth bowler, but then Yuvraj catered to the dilemma. With him not being part of this World Cup team, India is back to square one.
Yuvraj Can Play Long Innings
Singh usually bats at number four or five for India in ODIs. When the top order collapses, it is up to the middle-order to set up a steady momentum. Under such pressure situations, Yuvraj’s experience at the crease plays a handy role. He displayed his potential in 2011 World Cup quarter-final match against Australia at Motera, Ahmedabad. India was struggling when the left-handed batsman walked to the crease. He scored a quick-fire 57* that helped India eliminate the defending champion from the tournament.
Yuvraj is in the Best Form of His Life
After looking at Yuvraj’s current performance in the Ranji Trophy, the Indian selectors might regret excluding him from the World Cup squad. The Punjab batsman has score three consecutive centuries and a half-century for his domestic team. Not having him in the side at the moment means that India is one short of a handy batsman and a bowler who can get wickets when the team needs it.
Yuvraj Was the Man of the Tournament in 2011 ICC World Cup
Early in 2011, Yuvraj was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his left lung. Post operation, chemotherapy and rehabilitation, the Indian all-rounded managed to make it into the 2011 World Cup squad where he performed consistently, with the bat and the ball.
This consistency is what earned him the coveted Man of the Tournament trophy. He is in a similar form and keeping him out of the team definitely sounds like a bad decision by the management.
