Ravi Shastri Hints Real Reason Behind Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina Omission
Sep 2, 2017 at 12:35 PM
Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina are two of the best match winners India had in the 21st century, but neither of them made the cut in ODI squad announced for Sri Lanka last month.
There has been a lot of speculations about their careers ever since the omission as the reason for not selecting them was unknown. Chief selector MSK Prasad has insisted that Yuvraj Singh got rested, but there were reports that both Raina and Yuvi failed fitness test which has raised few eyebrows.
However, Indian coach Ravi Shastri has revealed that he wants India to be the best fielding unit in the world and that plays a paramount to be in good fitness to get selected to the national team.
“We want the best fielding side on the park. That’s it. So how do you become the best fielding side on the park? Fitness. And that’s why there have been parameters set.
“My job is not to get involved in selection ever because I want my players to trust me. That’s the job of selectors. They watch more cricket and they see it the year around. If anyone fits into their parameters, depending on their form, then on the cricket field, they are available for selection.”
Asked if Raina and Yuvi got dropped from World Cup plans because of their lack of fitness, Shastri said:
“Yes. When there are parameters put in place and that’s the vision of the team, then everyone has to fit into those parameters. It is as simple as that.”
Yuvraj Singh has done an outstanding job in the limited chances he got to play at No.4 as he amassed 374 runs in just ten innings at an average of above 40. He was widely expected to be selected for Sri Lanka series to provide him another opportunity to consolidate his place but the selectors chose fitness over form.
India currently lack a good player at No.4 and No.5 which could still help both Raina and Yuvi make a comeback into the national team if they can achieve desired fitness. Raina will be playing in the upcoming Duleep Trophy while the future of Yuvi yet remains a big question ahead of home series against Australia.