Yuvraj disappointed after not being picked for ODIs
Yuvraj Singh’s comeback into the Indian T20I side for the tour of Australia has brought joy to players and fans alike, including the cricketer, but his exclusion from the ODI side has left him a bit sad, as he felt ‘a personal sense of disappointment’ after he wasn’t picked in the 50-overs side.
"A fresh start or a new beginning is the way I'd put it. I wouldn't say my India career is going to start all over again. It began 15 years ago," Yuvraj told The Telegraph. He last featured for India in the World T20 final of 2014, where his failure with the bat was negatively touted to be the reason behind India’s loss.
"To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed that I am back only in the T20I squad, not for the ODIs. However, there's happiness that I'm back after quite a while. The disappointment is personal and I hope I'm not misunderstood and that nothing at all is taken out of context."
Despite being happy, the 34-year-old also acknowledged the fact that comebacks in the side, especially in the T20 format weren’t easy at all, mainly due to the ‘compressed nature’ of the games.
"Yes, conditions in Australia are challenging and the T20 format is even more demanding. It's such a compressed affair that there's little time to adjust," he said.
"The 20-over game isn't easy. That said, I'm positive, for that's the way I am. I have the confidence to try and do my best in the opportunities I get.”
“The dressing room needs to have belief in me. I'm sure I'll get the support I need," added the Punjab cricketer.
Yuvraj has been in sublime form this domestic season registering the scores of 93, 36, 36, 78 not out and 98 in his five innings for Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The last knock of 98 helped Punjab qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The cricketer also accredits his domestic performances for his comeback into the national side. "I've been out of cricket for more than one-and-half years and it's difficult to motivate yourself to play domestic cricket, but that was the only way forward. I've been playing first-class cricket from 1996-97 and first played for India in 2000.”
"But, yes, I knew I needed a good tournament. I needed to give off my best. I've always valued domestic cricket. Certainly now, I hope I can continue in this form (for Punjab) in the knockout stage. Besides getting the runs, I also feel good from within."
India is scheduled to play three T20Is in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney before a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka at home followed by the Asia Cup which for the first time, also would be held as a T20 tournament, to prepare for the World T20.