“Team is looking for batsmen to play at the 5th, 6th and even 7th positions down the lineup, which will add some more depth in batting order” said Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the presentation ceremony at Rajkot, as his side has lost yet another match which was on a right path of winning, leaving India trailing with 2-1 in the ODI series with South Africa.
It has been consecutive second match that India has lost match against South Africa, while chasing a decent total and looking to win the match. The sad finish of these matches can be written off to lower middle order, as it is not performing as it expected. Suresh Raina struggling in its shots selection managed to score 3 runs in past three matches, while Anjikya Rahane looking for stable position even after couple of promising knocks in the series.
It is this riddle that the team selection needs to address, as they select team for remaining two ODI and Test matches. They have to decide that do they go in fresh players or opt for experienced ones, which is actually needed to win the important series.
Two names which are coming out from the bank of experienced players are obviously Yuvraj Singh and other one is Ravindra Jadeja. Both these players fits perfect in the present crisis which team India is facing. Moreover Yuvraj Singh is back in his form and scored 187 against Gujarat playing in Ranji Trophy, whereas, Ravindra Jadeja has been taking wickets for his team in Ranji Trophy for his team.
Yuvraj and Jadeja are two names doing the rounds for a comeback in playing squad of team India. Since, R Ashwin sidelined by a side strain and Axar Patel not contributing as expected both from bat and ball, the selectors might be tempted bring them back.
Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar also emphasized on Yuvraj Singh, talking to media he said “Yuvraj is in form. As a bowler, he can bowl a few over and give depth in the batting. There is no questioning his class. He may concede a few more run then Axar Patel, but will score more than Patel and he is top class in the field”.
Gavaskar further mentioned that Yuvi’s age must not be factor for selection and his experience will be the key if India is looking for cameback in this series against South Africa. He added “The series in important. India need to look for horses for courses, pick experience now and build team later in the season. The priority must be to win the series. Looking at Yuvi’s pedigree and looking at the way he has won matches for India in the past, makes him the best among the available choices”.
