Yuvraj & Test Cricket

It's going to be almost ten years since I started following cricket. That's not a lot many would say but then it should be enough to speak of Yuvraj Singh. I am going to try writing this article without looking up any statistics on the internet, that means I will be attempting to argue Yuvraj's case based on my memories of his heroics.

MEMORY #1: Ganguly had just taken over the reins of the Indian team after Hansiegate. With the home series victory over RSA now meaningless and the defeat in Sharjah it was time to perform at the Champions' Trophy in Nairobi. Although the demolishing ways of Australia were yet to be recognised they were the team to beat in the competition. Yuvraj's invaluable 84 runs, a superb catch at covers of Ian Harver and a brilliant run out of Michael Bevan sealed a memorable win. Yuvraj missed a century that day.

MEMORY #2: For long, really long in my memory, India had not lost a match every time 50 or more runs came of Yuvraj's blade.

MEMORY #3: Pakistan were in India for a test series which India won 1-0. But on the first day of the third test, if I am not mistaken, Yuvraj and Ganguly shared a 300+ stand for the fifth wicket. Yuvraj was out for 165. Ganguly went on to make a double century and Irfan Pathan too scored a ton. Nonetheless it was a valuable knock which earned him a place in the Indian team for the tour down under. He failed in the first two tests.

Is there something missing in Yuvraj Singh? No! He has the talent and the world has accepted that. He has been a regular member of the ODI team for long now which implies he is consistent. At present he is the vice captain. This means the selectors feel he is responsible. What more do we need in a test batsman?

Why is he not in the test team? Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly and Vangipurrappu Venkata Sai Laxman are the only four reasons. That means he is out of contention in the middle order until one of these guys hangs up their boots and cricket kit. The only other option for him is to open the innings for India in test cricket. Of Sehwag and Jaffer the latter is under pressure to keep his place in the side. I see him not lasting too long. If he can make it through the Australia's tour of India this October he will be fine. Else that will be the end of Wasim Jaffer. In that case too Gautam Gambhir should be the first choice as he is an opener. Yuvraj loses here too..........

Somebody in the middle order has to retire for Yuvraj.