 The Indian selectors have recalled Yuvraj Singh in the Indian squad for the Test
matches that the Indians will play against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka starting
from the 18th of July. Earlier, Yuvraj had been dropped from the team for the
four-nation, Asia Cup, also played in Sri Lanka, which had been blamed on lack
of fitness and form. The fans are, however, surprised, given that Yuvraj hasn't
had any games in the interim period and yet has been selected in the side without
having to prove his form or fitness.
Suresh Raina, also makes it to the squad after earlier being a part
of it as a cover to the barrage of injuries that India had sustained in the
Test series against South Africa. Raina hasn't played in the longer format of
the game, and there will be a toss-up between him and Yuvraj for the number
six position.
Amongst the others, the likes of Sehwag and Gambhir should be back to open
the innings. Sehwag had suffered from a hamstring injury but is fit enough to
play in the series and Gambhir will look to build on his form. Rahul Dravid
makes a comeback after missing out due to injuries, whereas Sachin Tendulkar
and VVS Laxman will form the top five.
Ishant Sharma and Sreesanth will be the other pace bowlers apart from Zaheer
Khan and the spinners include the likes of Pragyan Ojha, Amit Mishra and Harbhajan
Singh.
The selectors needed to decide on whether to go ahead with 4 pace bowlers or
three, but on Lankan pitches, it made sense to go ahead with three spinners.Wriddhiman Saha is also a part of the squad as a back-up wicket-keeper.
Raina will fight for the number six position with Yuvraj Singh, though
his inabilities against the short ball will be an issue. And talking of the
pace bowling department, with players like RP Singh, Munaf Patel and Irfan Pathan,
either out due to injuries or form issues, there was no option but to select
Ishant and Sreesanth.
Saha had played a Test match against South Africa earlier this year
Indian Squad for the tour of Sri Lanka: MS Dhoni (wk & capt.), Gautam Gambhir,
Virender Sehwag (vice-capt.), Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Harbhajan
Singh, Zaheer Khan, M Vijay, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ishant Sharma, Sreesanth,
Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha, Wriddhiman Saha (wk)
|
