Questions Raised Over Yuvraj Singh's Decision To Prefer NCA Ahead Of Ranji Trophy

Veteran Indian batsman might find himself into hot waters for preferring fitness regime over playing Ranji Trophy for Punjab in the ongoing season. The out-of-favour batsman has decided to improve his fitness at the National Cricket Academy but in doing so he has given the Ranji Trophy a miss which has reportedly not gone down well with some prominent BCCI officials.

Barring the season-opener against against Vidarbha during which he had scored 20 and 42 in two innings, Yuvraj missed the following four games, thus infuriating the BCCI officials.

According to media reports, some of the miffed BCCI officials are now raising questions on the World Cup-winning skipper’s presence at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) since the cricketer is not suffering from any injury at the moment. Media reports are suggesting that the batsman is desperate to clear the Yo-Yo endurance test which has become mandatory to get into the national team.

“There aren’t any reports that Yuvraj is doing rehabilitation but we have come to know that he is doing exclusive fitness training to pass the YoYo test. Now whether taking Ranji Trophy for granted is a good thing or not, Yuvraj has to decide.

“Does this mean that if he attains 16.1 (fitness parameter set by Indian team management) and is without any runs behind him, he will be selected for the Sri Lanka limited overs series?” a very senior BCCI official told PTI.

“We heard that Yuvraj has told the Punjab team management that he has been asked by the Indian team to do fitness test whereas selectors have always stressed on Ranji Trophy performance. Look at Ishant Sharma. He is a part of Indian team but he was released a day before Kolkata test so that he can play Ranji Trophy against Maharashtra,” the BCCI official added.

Yuvraj’s fitness has been one of the most-talked about topics in recent times. The 35-year old, who had received a surprising recall from the Indian team earlier this year, was dropped from the team after the West Indies tour and although his form was not good, several reports suggested that the failure to clear the fitness test was the prime reason behind his ouster. He failed to clear the test on the second chance too and is now desperate to clear it in order to make it to the national team again.

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