Yuvraj Singh - the lion is ready to roar again!

Yuvraj Singh

Today, the 15^th of September 2013 might be a historic day. After all, today the heart-throb of millions of fans, Yuvraj Singh is going to play against the touring West Indies A in Bengaluru. He has made a grand comeback as the captain of the India A team. Though this is an unofficial match, seeing our star playing is a very thrilling experience. I wish I could be in Bengaluru as the Karnataka Cricket Association has decided to allow free entry for this match. A bounty for Bangloreans, watching Yuvi playing for free!

Mr. Lal Chand Rajput, the coach of India A has spoken on the possibility of a comeback for Yuvraj Singh.

“The series against West Indies A will test Yuvraj whether he could make a comeback into the Indian side. Only performance will back him,” said Rajput.

“I think he is very keen on making a comeback with some good performances,” he told reporters. “Yuvraj had gone through a very difficult phase in his life and when he made a comeback there were huge expectations from him but he could not live up to it. Now he has worked hard on his fitness. The hunger to come back into the Indian team is palpable,” he added.

So the coach himself seems hopeful.

It is worthwhile to mention that Yuvraj, along with Zaheer Khan, had gone to France to attend a fitness program, and after returning from there, he had shown his commitment to play again. In fact, owing to his exemplary courage shown while bravely fighting cancer, he has gained the status of an icon depicting outstanding fighting spirit. I remember that he once said that cricket is not only his passion but is like his lifeline.

Now, many of the followers of the game are wondering about Sehwag and Gambhir, who were also knocking on the door to get an entry, and why only Yuvraj has been selected. I believe that the reason is very valid and simple. In today’s world of competitive cricket, it is really beneficial if one possesses skill in more than one sphere of the game. And Yuvraj is an excellent all-rounder. In case he is not able to impress with his bat, he might get a few important wickets. Even if he does not get wickets, as a replacement bowler he might contribute by containing the run rate to a desired level. In ODIs, these small factors play a vital role. Also, in comparison to Sehwag, he is a very dependable fielder.

Let us have a quick look over his profile. Born on 12th December, 1981 in Chandigarh, Yuvraj Singh is the son of a former national cricketer, Yograj Singh. Yuvraj is a left handed batsman and a left arm orthodox spin bowler. Yuvraj has got the tremendous quality of raising his game as per the demands of the occasion, which has helped out Team India a number of times. He has got many records to his credit, but I intend to highlight the most fascinating two. Remember his six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad? He also became the one to achieve the fastest 50 in just 12 balls in the inaugural World T20. Simply amazing!

Also, I love to refresh memories of World Cup 2011, wherein Yuvraj had played a key role in the triumphant journey of Team India. For his marvellous contribution (362 runs and 15 wickets), he was chosen as Man of the Tournament.

Unfortunately, cancer was detected thereafter, but with his die hard spirit and countless blessings of millions of fans, he is again at the crease. Hopefully he is going to give us many more delightful performances.