Can Yuvraj Singh Get A Chance In India's Squad For The 2019 World Cup?

Yuvraj Singh making a comeback to the Indian team is a far-fetched possibility as of now. Ever since recovering from cancer, the southpaw has been given ample chances to cement his place in the team. But barring few knocks like the 150 against England on his ODI comeback last year, one of India’s greatest ever match-winners has failed to grab the opportunity.

With the next World Cup just a few months away, time is running out for Yuvraj to press his claim for a spot in the team. However, there is a slight possibility that the team-management might consider the old warhorse due to the team’s unsettled middle-order.

The middle-order especially the number four spot has been a major area of concern for the team for quite some time now. It is the link between the top-order and the lower middle-order and the right man needs to occupy it in order to keep the balance of the playing XI intact.

Can Yuvraj Singh Get A Chance In India's Squad For The 2019 World Cup?
Yuvraj Singh

But while India’s top-order has been in red-hot form for quite some time now,  the number four spot has given the team-management a big headache. The Indian camp has been experimenting extensively since the second half of last year but without much success. Going back to the Sri Lankan tour in July-August last year, through the ODI series against Australia and New Zealand, KL Rahul, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Ajinkya Rahane were tried at that position but none of them managed to impress.

Recently, Suresh Raina was also tried out but he too failed to grab his chances.

With the next World Cup less than a year ago, time is running out for the Indian team. They do not have much games before the showpiece event to try out new players. And with the already tried out players not being able to do well, the team has the option of bringing back one of their biggest match-winners – Yuvraj.

Not only the fans but even his contemporaries and former cricketers have admitted that Yuvraj is arguably the greatest match-winner for India in limited-overs format.

An 18-year-old tearing away the likes of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie at their peak in his first ODI innings is still fresh in every fan’s mind. It was the precursor of how his career would follow. Yuvraj did not take long to become one of the batting mainstays of the team.

Can Yuvraj Singh Get A Chance In India's Squad For The 2019 World Cup?
Yuvraj Singh

But what set him apart from others was his knack of doing well whenever the team needed him the most.

The six sixes off Stuart Broad during the inaugural World T20 in 2007, the 30-ball 70 runs innings in the semifinal of the same event against Australia or the Man of the Tournament performance in 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj just loves to deliver at the big stage. With history on his side, the team can certainly gamble on him.

Yuvraj’s vast experience also tilts the balance in his favour.So far, only six Indian cricketers have breached the 300-ODI mark and Yuvraj is one of them. At this moment, he is the second-most experienced Indian cricketer in terms of games after MS Dhoni. Moreover, Yuvraj has the experience of playing in 3 World Cups.

The team can definitely benefit from Yuvraj’s experience in the World Cup and who knows he might prove his selection right with another standout performance in an ICC event.

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