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.