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The Prince who lost his crown
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Articles -
Classics
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Thursday, 12 August 2010 22:02 |
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Contributed by Sharan Pahlajani
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(13805 views) |
Yuvraj Singh is probably one of India's most gifted cricketers. Naturally talented, elegant and fearless; destined for greatness with the traits that he has. But saying that, he's alleged to have a lack of commitment, the trait that had led to the temporary drop from the ODI squad.
There's a myth or belief that India's limited overs performances are mirrored by Yuvraj's. Stats back that notion too. Singh averages nearly 50 in the 140-odd games India has win with him in the side with 9 of his 12 centuries resulting in the team’s victory. He gives the team the assurance usually seen with Sachin and to some extent Dhoni. And that is why India needs this leading middle order batsman to find his form come the 2011 World Cup.
But an unfortunate spate of ill timed injuries, loss of form and general fitness issues had him dropped from the side that eventually went on to win the Asia Cup. His replacements didn't exactly set the stage on fire but Yuvraj got the message loud and clear; shape up or ship out.
Yuvi, as he is affectionately known, can either turn a blind eye to reality or have pity on himself, feeling bad for how he's been treated. But self pity and 'looking' wounded will be the worst thing he can do to himself. In order to make sure he is not his own biggest enemy, he could look at recent events and believe this is the best thing that could have happened to him. Maybe his mind and body are elsewhere and that might have made him take his place in the side for granted. It happens, when you're good at what you do and with all the adulation and super stardom part of Indian cricket circus, you tend to feel you're untouchable, irreplaceable.
However, this is a time that he needs to do some serious self introspection. A little time off the field could make him hungry again. Hungry for what he had, hungry for what he's lost and more importantly, hungry for what he could have had.
This phase will tell us more about Yuvi the person than Yuvraj the cricketer.
Just before the start of the Test series in Sri Lanka, he spoke about the extensive training he was put through to regain the fitness he inexplicably lost. The results were there to see as he smashed a flawless century in challenging conditions in the tour game and followed it up with a half century in the first test before falling to his age old nemesis, spin.
The selectors have thrown him a lifeline, with regulars being rested for the tri series in Sri Lanka, this is his chance to show how badly he wants what India wants him to have. A refreshed, fit Yuvraj Singh is what India needs to seriously challenge for the World Cup at home, but that spot has to be earned through hard work on the field and in training. Quite frankly, that will determine how long Yuvi plays in the Indian colors. India needs Yuvraj to strengthen a middle order that has looked shaky without him.
He could do well to speak to the man who we thank for instilling the belief in this man, Sourav Ganguly, for he too had such a phase and came back roaring like a Tiger.
But honestly, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if Yuvraj Singh walks out at number 4 with the confidence and swagger we're accustomed to seeing in India's opening World Cup game.
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Last Updated on Friday, 13 July 2012 17:20 |
I am hoping what you wrote in the end actually happens.He is essential for the team's success and just needs some luck to recover from the dengue and the lack of form.
Also,people might keep saying he is not humble and this and that,but I feel his flamboyance is what defines him.