When Yuvraj Singh predicted the rise of Barinder Sran
While the major talking points from India's squad for their limited-overs tour of Australia was the return of Yuvraj Singh and Ashish Nehra, arguably the most surprising pick was that of Barinder Balbirsingh Sran. While the fast bowler’s selection might come as a surprise to many, Yuvraj actually predicted his rise a couple of months ago.
The 23-year-old left arm fast bowler was picked in the ODI squad on the back of his impressive performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he has picked up 13 wickets in six matches for Punjab.
In early October, Yuvraj took to Twitter to praise his Punjab team-mate, whom he expected big things from.
Barinder saran! Serious spell of fast bowling on a flat track ! A talented fast left armer to watch out for reminds me of a young @ImZaheer
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 3, 2015
It looks as though the selectors took note of his words, as despite the return of Yuvraj and Nehra, both squads are on the younger side, to which Sandeep Patil, the chairman of slectors, said: "We have introduced and given many youngsters [opportunities], which we are very happy about.”
Although he is 23, Sran has only played 7 List-A games, six of which have come this season, where his wickets at an impressive average (25.3) and strike-rate (24.7) helped Punjab reach the quarter-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Injuries have been a major problem for Sran, since he made his Ranji debut for Punjab in 2011, which has resulted in him played just 11 first-class matches in four years. Although he has picked up 32 wickets at a decent average, his lack of consistency in the longest format, perhaps is the reason why, he has been overshadowed by the likes of Sandeep Sharma and even Manpreet Gony.
Unlike most other players in the squad, who have been selected on the basis of their consistent exploits in the Indian Premier League, Sran's inclusion is based purely on his performances in the domestic circuit as he has just played one IPL game, for Rajasthan Royals against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Aside from his 13 wickets in the limited-overs this season, he has also picked up 18 wickets in the Ranji season an was Punjab’s second-highest wicket taker behind Sarabjit Ladda.