Yuvraj shows signs of form
Johannesburg, Jan. 16: With an average of just 19 from six matches on South African soil, Yuvraj Singh’s record doesn’t inspire confidence.
The numbers tell a story about his technique and temperament, both of which have been tested to a great degree in the last 12 months when the runs have dried up and with it the Indian team’s confidence in his abilities.
But on Saturday in India’s one-run win over the hosts, he took a big step to fix that. The lower-middle order batsmen messed it up in the later stages, but Yuvraj had batted for close to 18 overs to give the side a solid platform via an 83-run partnership with Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the fourth wicket.
In his 53-run knock there were just four fours, underlining his intention to buckle down and play the sheet-anchor role for a change. It was unlike Yuvraj who had of late developed the habit of contributing to the team’s cause with a quick blast of runs, before making his way back.
Dhoni being witness to a different Yuvraj, was effusive in his praise of the southpaw after the match.
“This kind of innings will give him a plenty of confidence. It’s very important that he gets back into a run-scoring form and Saturday’s knock is what he really needs,” Dhoni said.
Yuvraj’s 68-ball innings was his second longest in terms of the number of balls faced in the last one year – the 87-ball 58 against Australia in an ODI in Vizag few months back being the highest – but Saturday’s one had come in exponentially more tougher conditions against an arguably more menacing attack.
Dhoni is hoping the maturity is a sign of things to come. “Once he gets going it gets very easy for us. He contributes as a left-arm spinner also and he’s a decent fielder, so it’s important for us to get him going.”
Post new comment