Yuvraj Singh can straightaway walk into the Indian team starting 11

06 September, 2012

Yuvraj Singh is very determined to play for the nation after his career-threatening battle with Cancer did not even allow him to hold a bat. Those days are over, as he is just excited to get on the field. There are good chances that the player would straightaway walk into the Indian T20 team starting 11.

MANY THOUGHT that Yuvraj Singh's cricket career was over after the player was diagnosed with Cancer. He was out of the game for many months, but the player seems to be in a positive frame of mind, as he is eager to play for the nation. In this ANI video, Yuvraj says, “I just can't wait to get on the field, can't wait for the excitement, can't wait to hold the bat, stand at point or stand anywhere in the field.” But, will the player straightaway make it to the starting 11? But this video definitely suggests that he expects to be picked and there are strong points about Yuvraj Singh inclusion that will strengthen the Indian T20 starting 11.

The selectors of the Indian team have shown faith in the player and picked the player for the upcoming T20 series against the New Zealanders and the upcoming T20 World Championship in Sri Lanka. There are both pros and cons attached to the selection of Yuvraj Singh. It is his positive points that seem to outweigh his negative points. A player of his stature will not be picked by the selectors only to be left on the bench.

His fitness could be one of the biggest concern for the Indian team management, as he has not been involved in any competitive matches at the international level in recent times. The upcoming T20 matches against New Zealand could give him a perfect platform to prove his fitness and form to his critics, if required. Had it been any other format, his fitness might have been a major factor, but with T20 only scheduled for three hours, he is expected to stand on top of his fitness during those hours.

The Indian selectors know about the value of Yuvraj in the team, especially with the matches being played in Sri Lanka, where he could be used a valuable slow bowler apart from his batting exploits. Another point which scores for Yuvraj's inclusion in the starting 11 is the vacant no. 4 slot in the batting order. Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina are no 3, 5 and 6 in the Indian batting order for the T20s. These batting positions reshuffle from time to time depending upon the situation.

A number of players have been tested at the no 4 batting position and no one has delivered to cement his place. Rohit Sharma has been a huge failure. The only player who could give Yuvraj a fight for a place in the starting 11 is Manoj Tiwary who has performed decently when a chance has come through. But, it is Yuvraj's impressive record in world cricket, irrespective of his absence from the game that should grant him a place in the starting 11.