The door Is Not Closed On Yuvraj Singh And Suresh Raina: Ravi Shastri

While the recent turn of events strongly suggesting that Team India’s door is as good as closed for Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, head coach Ravi Shastri has claimed otherwise.

The duo was ignored for the recently-concluded series  in Sri Lanka with reports suggesting that they failed to clear the ‘Yo-Yo’ endurance test. However, the reports were further quashed by a BCCI official while chief selector MSK Prasad even insisted that Yuvraj was rested and not dropped. However, the duo not getting a place in the team for the upcoming series against Australia has put a big question on their international careers. Moreover, with the team trying out different batsmen in the middle-order during the Sri Lanka series has only elevated the speculations.

However, Shastri, while admitting that he is not involved in selection, said that Yuvraj and Raina can return to the team if they perform well not only with the bat but also with their fielding.

“Any player is eligible for selection if they perform well on the following parameters – fitness, current form and fielding. Fielding is very important if you want to win consistently,” Shastri told India TV.

“I am not involved in selection. The door is not closed on Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina. Any player who performs well on these parameters is eligible for selection,” he added.

Read More  Punjab Kings Playing 11 vs LSG- IPL 2024, Match 11

When asked about the team’s new policy of experimenting extensively, Shastri said: “Keeping in mind the 2019 ODI World Cup, we wanted every player to get a chance to play in Sri Lanka and we ensured it. The bilateral series against Australia will again be a good opportunity to identify the players who will form the nucleus/core team for the world cup.”

Meanwhile, the Men in Blue are currently preparing for the five-match series against Australia. Fresh from the dominating performance in Sri Lanka, Team India will be keen to continue the winning streak against the world champions too. The ODI series will start on Sunday (September 17) in Chennai.

An avid cricket lover, I just love this game more than anything. Writing about cricket keeps me closer to the game.