With Yuvraj in race to get fit, team weighs options
MUMBAI: Yuvraj Singh’s injury is India’s biggest worry ahead of the WT20 semifinal against West Indies on Thursday. While team officials gave assurances of his recovery, the concerns weren’t misplaced as two of his probable replacements – Ajinkya Rahane and Manish Pandey — took to the nets on Thursday even as the rest of the team took it easy.
Rahane and Pandey, who joined the side as cover for Yuvraj, practiced at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) on Tuesday accompanied by batting coach Sanjay Bangar.
Though Yuvraj seemed in discomfort, a team official said he was under rehab and was recovering well. An update is expected on Wednesday when the team attends the official practice session.
As they wait, the team management is making sure the reserves get enough practice. Bangar spent considerable time with Rahane and Pandey, giving throw downs, followed by a lengthy chat. Both have played little cricket recently, and need more practice if given a look in.
Rahane, 27, has been travelling with the team since the tour to Australia, but has not been a regular in the XI. He was on the bench for all the three T20s in Australia, but got to play the three-match series against Sri Lanka at home after Virat Kohli was rested. His performance were below par.
Later, an injury to Shikhar Dhawan saw him play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup and he fell for a duck. In his past six innings, which includes warmup games before the World T20, Rahane’s highest score was 25.
Pandey has not played at the top level since January when he scored the match-winning 104 not out in the fifth ODI against Australia. With Karnataka failing to qualify for the knockouts of the Ranji Trophy, the 26-yearold has not had a chance to play in the domestic circuit.
According to ICC guidelines, if Pandey is to be brought in, it will mean Yuvraj will go out of the squad should India reach the stage.
Considering the decision to persist with Rahane, it would seem fair to give him a chance ahead of Pandey. However, Pandey’s strength as a big hitter is the perfect replacement for Yuvraj’s objective of providing fireworks in the lower order.
THOUGH YUVRAJ SINGH SEEMED IN DISCOMFORT, A TEAM OFFICIAL SAID HE WAS RECOVERING WELL