Analysis: 5 Reasons why Yuvraj Singh was not picked in ODI squad!
Oct 6, 2016 at 7:19 PM
India’s squad for the New Zealand ODI series was announced a few moments ago and veteran all-rounder Yuvraj Singh was once again ignored by the newly appointed selection panel. The 34-year old was expected to return to ODI squad after reports suggesting that he underwent fitness tests at Bengaluru a few days ago.
However, the newly appointed selection panel along with Indian limited overs captain MS Dhoni have opted to go for the young squad and have not chosen Yuvraj Singh for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand.
Here we look at 5 reasons why Yuvi was once again ignored by Indian selection panel.
#1. Team for 2019 World Cup
The newly appointed selection panel have made sure that they are looking for new options as they look ahead of the 2019 World Cup in England. Yuvraj Singh who is 34 at the moment would be 37 by the world cup time and could not be the core of the team at such an old age. Giving a chance to new players would help India develop a squad that will be competitive for the biggest event of cricket.
#2. No big performances off late
The 34-year old has looked more than decent when he came back to Indian T20 squad earlier this year as he has contributed with both bat and ball. The Indian batting line-up has heavily relied on Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, and MS Dhoni during the world T20 as others failed miserably. The southpaw has also chipped in with crucial 30s and 40s for Sun Risers in IPL this summer as he helped them win their maiden IPL trophy. However, he failed to make a noticeable knock like others which has affected his chances to be drafted in the squad for ODIs versus NZ.
#3. Fitness levels
The Punjabi player was arguably the fittest Indian cricketer prior to 2011 WC but since then there has been a decline in his fitness level after suffering from cancer. However, he had shed a lot of weight in the recent months and have looked fitter than before. But his fielding instincts have taken a hit which makes him, not the ideal player to have in the squad going ahead.
#4. Competition for places
Indian cricket has seen a huge potential of talent in youngsters since the inception of Indian Premier League in 2008 as it has brought new faces into Indian team every year. With MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli sealing their spots in the middle order, there can be only one place available for grabs as Dhoni often tends to go for 6 batsmen. With high competition for the only middle order place, Yuvraj Singh was once again overlooked by the selectors.
#5. Selection committee
The new selection committee is the one with the least experience in the history of Indian cricket and they have ignored Yuvraj Singh who could make a difference with his all-round skills, and experience. The 34-year old is the best Indian ODI player in the 21st century as his experience could do a world of good for newcomers into the side. The new selection committee, though, thought otherwise which resulted in his exclusion.