http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028 backs Yuvraj Singh’s place in the Indian XI – Cricket News Update
Indian skipper MS Dhoni has confirmed that there are no doubts regarding Yuvraj Singh’s place in the team, despite various former players having called for the all-rounder to be dropped owing to what they termed his poor fitness.
The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750’s 2011 World Cup triumph, Yuvraj was diagnosed with a tumour
in between his lungs during the later part of 2011, and underwent treatment for the disease in the United States earlier this year before returning to India in April.
He undertook fitness training at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore during June, and was later included in India’s T20 squad for a 2-match series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754, as well as the ongoing ICC World Twenty20 2012, although many critics termed it
an emotional decision by the BCCI.
While he has since then gone on to contribute substantially to the team’s performances in the ongoing World T20, several former cricketers have criticised his form. However, Dhoni has stated that Yuvraj’s place in the XI was already a given.
“Yuvi was already in the team, the fact whether Yuvi should play or not was not even considered,” Dhoni said.
“When it comes to fitness, as far as this format is concerned, he looks very fit,” the skipper went on to elaborate. “I think he has done a lot [of work] in the last few months. It is not like he has played cricket straight in the World Twenty20. Before
this he has spent a lot of time at the National Cricket Academy and after that he played a bit of active domestic cricket. He looks good. I am not really concerned about his fitness.”
The southpaw has shown plenty of promise since his return to the team, and has claimed 6 wickets in the four matches the team has played in the ongoing World T20 so far. In addition, he has also proved a handy fielder. During the team’s most recent match,
against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Yasir-Arafat-c98241 via run out with a direct throw from backward point.
Backing Yuvraj’s place in the team, Dhoni went on to explain that part-timers became integral to the side when seven batsmen were played, stating that Yuvraj was not only a handy left-arm spinner, but also a useful fielder. In this regard, when playing four
specialist bowlers, Yuvraj’s role in the side as a part-time spinner became pivotal.
He also added that the left-hander’s batting skills (which have been mediocre since his return, in comparison to his bowling) showed plenty of promise, and the chance to play against bowlers at the international level would help him grow in confidence, and
reach his former status as a “terrific batsman”.
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