Yuvraj Singh targets injury-free season

Yuvraj Singh has set his sights on achieving peak fitness for the packed season coming up, after a series of injury concerns in the recent past. He endured a torrid time at the IPL and the World Twenty20, leading to serious questions being raised about his form and fitness.

"These days I am at the National Cricket Academy [in Bangalore], training a bit harder here," Yuvraj told the Mumbai Mirror. "We understand that it is a big season with virtually no breaks before the 50-over World Cup. I had issues with my knee and shoulder in the past, so I have to ensure they are able to sustain the load for the long season."

Currently in his tenth year of international cricket, Yuvraj has sealed his reputation as a top player in the limited-overs formats but there remain doubts over his Test credentials. Yuvraj admitted he had not been at his best in the longest version of the game, but also pointed out the competition he had to deal with for a spot in the XI.

"My record in Tests may not have been great. For the better part of the career, I have had to compete with my former captain Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. I could get a permanent slot in the Tests after Sourav retired.

"During my peak years I hadn't played many Tests. But there were times when I got a chance but I failed to consolidate my position. I would have a good knock in a Test, fail in one innings, and then be out of the team. Then again I would play two Test matches and find myself benched. I wasn't consistent, and people too didn't have confidence in me, but it was my mistake."

One area where Yuvraj's calibre has clearly dipped is the fielding. Once a regular at cover-point for the Indian team, he is now a slow mover, often banished to the outfield. "I am not 21 anymore. Definitely I would like to get back to fielding at point. I had hurt my knee and fingers in the past fielding there. Remember fielding at point and fielding elsewhere are two different things. The day I feel 100%, I'll certainly go back to point."