5 Reasons Why Even An In-Form Yuvraj Singh Should Not Be Selected In India’s Test Squad
Nov 24, 2016 at 1:40 AM
Yuvraj Singh undoubtedly has been one of the most beloved cricketers in the country in the last 15 years or so. The southpaw has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the limited-overs cricket in the last decade. From hitting six sixes in an over in Durban to bagging the Man of the Tournament award in India’s victorious 2011 World Cup campaign, Yuvraj has given numerous unforgettable moments to the fans. But things came crashing down for him when he was diagnosed with cancer soon after the 2011 World Cup. But the fighter he is, he won against the deadly illness too. However, he paid a huge price due to that illness as he never succeeded to replicate the form that made him one of the dangerous players in the world. He has been given ample chances to prove himself but he has failed to grab those chances.
As expected, the batsman is not the scheme of things of the Indian team right now after his consistent failures with the willow. But the fans are still harbouring of seeing the batsman in action and this time they are hoping to see them in Test cricket. Their hopes have increased after the Punjab batsman’s impressive performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. He has scored 672 runs at an average of 84, including two centuries and as many fifties in five matches this season. However, we think that it’ll be a big mistake to recall the batsman in the longest format of the game.
So, here we are present to you five reasons why Yuvraj Singh should not be included in the Test team:
5. Poor Track Record In Test Cricket:
Even during his prime, the left-handed batsman never succeeded in replicating his limited-overs form in the five-day format. A world beater in the colored jersey, Yuvraj’s record in the white jersey never justified his true potential. In 40 Tests, he has scored only 1900 runs at an average of close to 34. And now that he is well past his prime, it’ll be a big gamble to recall him into the Test team.
4. Indian Team’s Brilliant Form:
The young Indian team led by Virat Kohli is currently number one in the world. With the team performing so well, it is highly unlikely that the team management will disturb the winning combination.
The team is full of youngsters and the selectors will be keen to give them an extended run to prove themselves. So this is another reason that might hinder Yuvraj’s comeback to Test cricket.
3. Stable Middle-Order:
The only weak link in India’s middle-order was Rohit Sharma. However, his performance in the three-match Test series against New Zealand, where he was the fourth highest run-getter is expected to convince the selectors to persist with him for quite a long time. Apart from him, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane are the batting mainstays of the team and dropping even one of them is unthinkable.
2. His Comeback Might Cost A Youngster A Good Chance Of Proving Himself:
It’s quite safe to say that Yuvraj is in the twilight of his career. And instead of selecting him, giving a youngster the chance to get accustomed to international cricket will make more sense. The likes of Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant and Manish Pandey have been performing really well in the domestic circuit and deserve a chance in the national team ahead of Yuvraj.
1. His Selection Will Be A Step Back:
Ever since the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid have bid adieu to the game, the management has been trying to build a team around youngsters. Kohli, Rahane and Pujara have become the core of the team and including Yuvraj in the team will be a step in the wrong direction. His inclusion might hurt the team in the long run.