Arguably the most stylish left-handed batsman in the modern generation, Yuvraj Singh has been out of the Indian team since June and doesn’t look like making a comeback anytime sooner. The southpaw failed the much-hyped yo-yo test which has become compulsory for every player to pass to be considered for national selection.
Former Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad who was at the helm of the Indian team when Yuvraj made his ODI debut in 2000 is still hopeful of the fact that Yuvraj is capable of passing the test especially when a veteran fast bowler like Ashish Nehra who is much older than Yuvraj was picked for the T20II series against Australia.
The cricketing standards had changed in the last 17 years when Yuvraj made his international debut and fitness is regarded as a significant aspect in today’s cricket. The introduction of T20 cricket over the past decade or so has made fielding that much relevant in today’s game.
“Fitness has become one of the most important things in world cricket. There is no reason why Yuvraj cannot pass the yo-yo test. The likes of Ashish Nehra, who is older than Yuvraj, has passed it, then why not Yuvi?,” Gaekwad was quoted as saying by the International Business Times, India.
In reality, if Yuvraj harbours hopes of returning to the national team then he has to improve his fitness, but he is also aware of the fact that the test is just a tick mark against his name.
The southpaw needs to prove himself with the bat in domestic competitions to force his way back into the national team yet again.
It will be a monumental task for Yuvi to make a comeback in national colours especially when the current Indian team has an incredible bench strength. The likes of Ajinkya Rahane who was the 2nd highest run scorer in the recently concluded ODI series against the Aussies was overlooked for the T20I series which explains that despite being in form if the core group is present, then he has to make way for the preferred player.
“At present, the Indian team is a settled unit. Even a player like Ajinkya Rahane has not been picked for the T20 contest, explaining the strength of the Indian team. Even if Yuvraj Singh passes the fitness test, he will have to wait for his time. Yuvraj will have to score quality runs in the domestic cricket to get the India team call-up,” Gaekwad added.