Yuvraj Singh returns to form just at right time

Critics may feel that it was a much-needed jolt for India in the match against Ireland ahead of the bigger games, but I feel Yuvraj Singh returning to form is a big positive for the co-hosts. It was always going to be a David (India) against Goliath (Ireland) affair and although the encounter was much hyped by critics, India always held the upper hand.

Even though Ireland is the best associate team playing in this World Cup, it will take a while before they can make winning against the top teams a habit.

Coming back to Yuvraj, I think he couldn’t have timed his return to form better. I feel the fact that he picked up a five-for not only solves Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s problem of searching for bowlers to fill in the fifth bowler’s spot, but also gave Yuvraj confidence when he came out to bat.

Yuvraj definitely deserves praise for pacing the innings to perfection. Although it looked a bit shaky after Virat Kohli was run out with India still needing more than a 100 runs to win, the left-hander guided the innings and showed the maturity that is reminiscent of an inform Yuvraj. Staying till the end will obviously augur well for his confidence.

Another aspect missed is that while India had batted first in the first two matches, it was good that they got the experience of chasing as it will obviously come into the scene as the tournament moves into the business end. Also, all the batsmen got a hit, which is never a bad thing. I think today’s game at the Ferozeshah Kotla will once again be a feast for Indian fans as I don’t expect the Dutch to give India a run for their money.

I think it’s time Ashish Nehra is finally tried out as playing on his homeground, he will hold an added advantage. Also, with the crunch games coming up, he needs to be tried out sooner rather than later. Zaheer Khan has missed a pace partner and Nehra can fill the gap. He knows what it is like to play on a platform like the World Cup and he has also performed whenever given an opportunity.

I feel Harbhajan Singh was a bit off-colour and needs to get his act right. He is undoubtedly our strike bowler, along with Zaheer, and Dhoni’s task will be cut out if he has an ineffective Harbhajan in the line-up.

Even R Ashwin deserves a game as Piyush Chawla has been unimpressive.

I think Chawla has been overwhelmed by the situation and needs to learn to hold his own in crunch situations.

Thankfully, Yuvraj did the job in the last match, else Dhoni would have been caught on the wrong foot. Other than the non-stop cricket, injuries and replacements have hogged the limelight.

Australia would have definitely gained by Doug Bollinger’s injury as it paved the way for Michael Hussey’s return to the team. It will definitely be a bonus as skipper Ricky Ponting has been woefully out of form and the middle- order needed someone as experienced as Hussey.

He is a big match player. For England, it has gone terribly wrong. If Kevin Pietersen’s hernia injury wasn’t enough, now even Stuart Broad is out with a side strain.

Although Pietersen hasn’t been in form, his mere presence is enough to lift the morale of the side. But as they say, every dark cloud has a silver lining and Eoin Morgan’s inclusion in place of Pietersen could well turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the English team.

By Admin with No comments