[1]Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar, who completes 25 years of retirement this Monday, has said that batting all-rounder Yuvraj Singh had done enough in the tour match against England XI to merit a place in the India team for the first Test match starting at Ahmedabad from November 15.
Yuvraj hit 59 in 80 balls in first innings and grabbed his maiden five for (5/94) in first class wicket to emerge as a strong contender in a three-way tie for the no. 6 spot with the other two contenders being Suresh Raina and Manoj Tiwary.
“Yuvraj has made a case for himself with his performance with not just the bat but also the five wickets. He brings another option,” Gavaskar said here at event where he was honoured for his 34 centuries by a Swiss luxury watch firm.
“He gives the captain flexibility in terms of bowling and batting. Also, one of England’s most dangerous batsmen Kevin Pietersen has been susceptible to a left-hand spinner.” The batting legend felt that that there was no need to tinker with the experienced opening pair of Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag.
“It is good that there is competition because competition ensures that nobody takes his place for granted. We have a set opening pair with Gambhir and Sehwag.
Unless the situation is dire, unless the situation is that somebody is so out of form, I don’t think we should be doing unnecessary changes.” he added.
Gavaskar, who opened in a staggering 203 innings for India, felt that opening was about two individuals knowing and understanding each other’s game.
“We have got a pair who understand each other, is not an easy thing. It takes time for new pair, new combination to settle. I think we should wait a bit before taking any decision.”
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