Out of favour India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has recently admitted that he might never play for India again. It is a somewhat shocking but brave assumption from a player who has been one of India's greatest match-winners in ODIs over the last decade. Yuvraj has candidly stated that he would be extremely saddened if such an occurrence takes place, while adding that it is now up to the selectors whether they want to choose him again or not. It would indeed be highly disappointing if he is not seen in Indian colours again, for he deserves a better send-off. Then again, there are no fairy-tales in cricket every time.
If Yuvraj's international career finishes as it is, it would end up being an unfulfilled one in spite of the left-hander's spectacular achievements. After all, he played the stellar role in India's World Cup victory four years back. Yuvraj starred with both bat and ball, and was brilliant in the field as well. What makes his performance even more spectacular is the fact that he was suffering from cancer during this tournament, as it was revealed later. To come up with such a wonderful effort keeping aside such difficult personal issues, proved his committed and dedication to the game and his team.
It is not only during the World Cup where Yuvraj came up with exceptional performances. No one can ever forget the fact that he hit six sixes in an over during the inaugural World T20 in South Africa. Throughout the event, Yuvraj played highly skilfull knocks to again play the pivotal role in India's triumph in that event. Then of course there was his performance in the Natwest Series. Mohammad Kaif may have stolen the show in the final, but Yuvraj played important knocks throughout, including the final. He has indeed been India's greatest match-winner with the bat over the last decade.
In spite of his splendid achievements, Yuvraj will be disappointed that his Test career could not shape up as expected. He always had the talent to succeed at the Test level as well. However, his temperament as well as technique could not stand up to the level required, which is one of the key reasons why he failed. He did get a few Tests hundreds during his stop start career, but an average in the 30s definitely does not do justice to his gifts. Of course, Yuvraj wasn't helped by the fact that he was forever competing for the number six spot with VVS Laxman. Still, Yuvraj did not utilise the opportunities that came his way.
Yuvraj is still 33, which means that he has a couple of years of cricket left in him. However, his fitness and form have deserted him in recent times, as a result of which he has been more out than in of the team. If he wants to make a comeback into the Indian side Yuvraj will need to perform exceedingly well in domestic cricket. Here, apart from form, even his fitness will be taken into consideration. As of now, Yuvraj's chances of making it to the World Cup are very slim. But hopefully, he can return to the national team later. If not, Yuvraj fans will have to be content watching him in tournaments like the IPL.
--By A Cricket Analyst
