Yuvraj Singh - Chance of a lifetime!

Yuvraj Singh

Well, as soon as I saw the Indian squad, the first thing that struck was that in case R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Amit Mishra are given a chance to play in first ODI in Kochi tomorrow, India might need a fifth bowler. And Yuvraj Singh might get a chance to play as that fifth bowler. However, to prove his credentials, he will have to exhibit his batting skills as well.

Unfortunately, Yuvraj has not been able to do much during the recent matches – either with the ball or with the bat. Apparently Yuvraj appears to be fit and fine. But perhaps due to the pressure of expectation from millions of fans, he has failed to perform. Something appears to be missing. His rhythm and consistency is hard hit.

As far as his bowling is concerned, he is a support bowler and does not perform the part of a lead bowler. But in a situation where skilled bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar are not able to get many wickets, the chances of Yuvraj doing wonders with his bowling are really bleak. Also, off late, the opposition batsmen have not felt any difficulty while facing his bowling.

Overall, many of his hardcore fans feel that he is not able to focus, especially while batting. Perhaps, in an over enthusiastic attempt to take a quick start, he tries to hit the ball aggressively but in that attempt he fails.

Another lot of his followers believe that it is his self esteem and confidence that has reduced drastically. Perhaps he has realized that time is running fast and with the emergence of new talented players, it becomes imperative for him to strike well and do so quickly. Unfortunately, he has not been able to give the desired results so far.

But then he is Yuvraj Singh after all! Majority of his fans still strongly believe that all he needs is a couple of good innings of say 70-80 runs and 2-3 wickets. Once he is able to regain his confidence, he has got the capabilities of playing good cricket for another 2 to 3 years.

I wish he will be able to display his batting and bowling skills against the touring West Indies and come back to play the role of an impeccable all rounder. But the agony of fate is that it is not clear whether he will be included in the team in the first place?

The time is fast running out but I am a believer of Yuvraj. But the bottom line is that on the first given opportunity, he should strike really well and then take a final bow. That way our prince will be immortal and will have a graceful goodbye, which he deserves rightfully.

Despite all the above observations, I will be the happiest in case he proves me wrong. Even otherwise, we have still not come out of the shockwaves arisen out of the exit taken by Sachin Tendulkar. Hope Yuvraj doesn’t follow him too soon!