Yuvraj Singh's match-winning potential and current form could prove too hot to handle for defending champions Australia.
Elegance, style and charisma – words that spring to mind when Yuvraj Singh is on full song. Beyond any considerable analysis of form, excellence and achievement, that is a good reason why fans still have their hope pinned on him. He mesmerizes even the opponents.
Yuvraj’s first century in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 came bang on time! And after almost two years! India play defending champions Australia in the quarterfinals on Thursday and his match-winning efforts against the West Indies could be seen as a warning sign for the Baggy Greens! It can be assumed that the Aussies would have watched the match from start to finish, noting India’s frailties and plusses. And they must be a worried bunch!
The southpaw had already struck three straight fifties against the Netherlands, England and Ireland. Now, with a ton under his belt and form at its peak, the Indian camp would be a happier lot. He battled stomach cramps en-route to his century.
Yuvraj had been under severe attack for his continuous flop shows in the lead up to the tournament. Injury woes, low returns and a careworn attitude had reduced him to being a peddler of cameos. The younger lot, led by Suresh Raina, and now Virat Kohli, have been breathing down his neck for a permanent spot, adding to his mounting pressure.
But great players like to show off on the biggest platform and Yuvraj did just that! Against the run of play, he stepped aside from that abyss and has been working his way to reclaiming his pivotal role ever since the cricketing extravaganza began in the sub-continent.
He will be Australia’s biggest concern. His post-match chat with the media revealed the fighter in him. In fact, he took on a confrontational approach when answering questions. On being asked if India had preferred Sri Lanka over Australia, he shot back: “If we intend to win the Cup, we need to beat every team. We don’t care who locks our horns. Their pacers may deliver short-pitch stuff, but we are the best in Tests and ranked second in ODIs, so don’t say we are concerned about Brett Lee and company,” he minced no words!
Yuvraj appears to be flawless in form and intent. But to make an impact, he would need to nitpick even the tiniest of loose ends and work on them until they are pruned to an approximate perfection.
India must make sure the batting-order that applied against the Windies is not tampered with. Yuvraj at number four is a position worthy of his potential.
Interestingly, his all-round performance is taking historical proportions. He has 284 runs and nine wickets to his credit so far in this campaign. Another 16 runs and one wicket will make him only the fourth player in World Cup history to achieve the double of 300 runs and ten wickets in a tournament!
Sunil Gavaskar feels R Ashwin could win India the Cup. Yuvraj Singh could too. —ESPNstar
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