The future of Indian cricket - Yuvraj Singh

The Indian senior team are drifting from loss to loss in Australia. An utterly disappointing Test series is being followed by an equally shocking run in the One-Dayers. However, this is not the time for a depressing postmortem of the sequence of events. It is time to let go of the shortcomings of the seniors and look to the future. The future is Yuvraj Singh. The Chandigarh lad has infused the team with confidence by batting aggressively and taking the attack to the opposition.

When he came in to bat against New Zealand the chips were down and something special was required. Yuvraj delivered. In fine style, notching up 68 runs at better than a run a ball. Though wickets fell at the other end, Yuvraj batted positively and put the pressure back on the Kiwis. As his innings gained momentum, the balance shifted in India's favour. When India came out to bowl, he was once again in the action with his restrictive left-arm spinners. What was most impressive about that bowling spell of 4/19 was the fact that he read the situation keenly and adapted. When it was required, he kept the ball flat and full, denying the batsmen the width they were looking for. That was only the beginning. Speaking to CricInfo after that match, Yuvraj said that he "was batting well and should have gone on to make a hundred." The lad is hungry for runs.

In the matches that followed he chipped in every time. Against Sri Lanka he made a solid 36 before he was run out. In the clash with Bangladesh, he picked up 2/6. In every match, he has been excellent in the field.

It is said that he is the hardest striker of a cricket ball in India after Sachin Tendulkar. Not without reason.

When CricInfo spoke to the Indian coach Roger Binny, he said that "it is his approach to both batting and bowling that makes him ideally suited to the One-Day game. He is always positive and that is the best way to approach the game."

India's semifinal match up with Australia will be the ideal platform for Yuvraj to showcase his talent. Against an organised side, India will be hoping that he rises to the occasion.