Blogs Indian Cricket: Yuvraj Singh, What’s Next For Him?
February 20th, 2008 by prashantI really feel that something about Yuvraj has changed ever since he has hit those 6 sixes in an over in the T20 WC. It almost seems to be that the T20 success followed by the success against Pakistan (at home) has gone to his head. I could be wrong here but my thoughts are genuine.
There is not doubt that Yuvraj is extremely talented and powerful cricketer, but I am not sure if I would call him an intelligent one. As the time goes by the bowlers would figure out how to bowl to him and get him out cheaply. e.g. exploiting his HUGE back-lift and at times uncontrollable aggression. If on-song he can be an absolute match winner and can change the course of any match single handedly, but figuratively speaking he has been more off-chord recently than on-song. This argument of mine might sound odd following his aggressive knock against SL that helped India win the match. But quite honestly, I think India won the match mostly because of Dhoni than anyone else. If Sangakara was not adjudged Man Of The Match (which he thoroughly deserved) Dhoni would have been my choice.
Now coming back to Yuvraj, I read somewhere that when asked about his position in the team, he replied by saying that his position in the team was never in question. Now if that statement came from the captain then it could be considered as “showing confidence/faith” in a player, but coming from the player himself seems a bit over-confident (but then I am a little old-fashioned) and pompous. I have no doubt that if India had lost the match and Yuvraj would have been out without playing according to the situation (like he did against Australia) he might not have gone to the press making such statements.
One other peculiar thing I have noticed about UV in the recent ODI series is his fielding position. From what I remember, Yuvraj has always fielded at Point (unless there is no one at Point), but these days I see him fielding either at Mid-Off, Mid-On or in the deep. Why? Is he carrying an injury or losing his confidence in fielding in such a crucial position?
I can totally understand and expect that there is not much respect for Greg Chappell within Indian Cricket fans, but the way he summarized Yuvraj makes a lot of sense to me. Greg C had categorized Yuvraj as someone who had too much talent for his own good. Interesting way to put it.
Yuvraj in the icon player for Mohali’s IPL franchise and would make a ton of money and fame in the recent future, but I am not sure what his long term future would be holding for him.
Am I totally off on this one?
February 21st, 2008 at 7:11 am
First, about Yuvraj’s fielding position. His knee getting better by the day and the physio has advised him not to take too much risk with it, as of now. As you know, the point position is the most demanding position and he’s been advised to stay off from it for the time being. But he himself admitted that he missed fielding in that position and he will be back there as soon as the physio clears him.
Yuvi has always been cocky. There’s no question about it. With the kind of talent he has, there is nothing wrong in being cocky - as long as he justifies it on field. Everyone knows that he’s very talented and can win matches and all that. But he has an attitude problem which cannot be sorted out by players or coaches. The game, as they say, is the greatest leveler and if he doesn’t perform, he will be kicked out for sure, as there is immense competition among a lot of players right now, which is very good. He knows it, but then he’s just too proud to admit it.
The way I see it - If Yuvi is on song, it’s great for the team. If he isn’t, he will be out of the team and some other youngster (possibly Raina) will get a chance to perform and become a star, which is equally good for the team. Competition, like they have in Australia, is the only way to improve the standard of the team and correct the attitude of the players, as they are made to know that no one is indispensable.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:26 am
You are absolutely right Kris. I really hope that Yuvraj takes inspiration from someone like Sachin who is still so down to earth despite being an aggressor while batting, bowling or fielding and has achieved so much. Yuvraj definitely has all it takes to be India’s Symonds or even more, but he has to make sure he does not throw it all away because of “attitude” problems.