Yuvraj Singh may have set the shorter version of the game alight to emerge as
India's middle order mainstay but the dashing left-hander would spend the first
cricket Test against Pakistan warming the bench with VVS Laxman
in action, hinted captain Anil Kumble.
Addressing his first pre-match press conference as India's Test captain, a forthright
Kumble said it was unfortunate but Yuvraj would have to wait before he became
a regular in the Test squad.
"It's tough to leave him out. He is in tremendous form
and is a quality player who is important for the side. But I guess he would
have to wait a bit before he becomes a regular member of the Test squad.
"It's unfortunate but that's the way it is. He is a great
player and Indian batting would revolve around him in the coming years. He is
a pillar of the side but I'm afraid he would have to wait a little," Kumble
said.
Yuvraj, so far, has played just 19 Tests, last being the match
against West Indies in 2006.
He also dropped hints that left-arm spinner Murali Kartik may sit out
tomorrow.
"I guess it would be me and Harbhajan (Singh) but we would
finalise the eleven tomorrow." Kumble admitted the side was laid low with
S Sreesanth and RP Singh ruled out of the tie, prompting the management
to fly in Munaf Patel and ask Delhi pacer Ishant Sharma to quit
his Ranji duty and stay with the squad.
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