Yuvraj raring for a chance in Ahmedabad Test

Tuesday April 1, 04:12 AM

Life seems to have come another mini-circle for Yuvraj Singh. With Sachin Tendulkar ruled out for the second Test starting in Ahmedabad on Thursday due to a groin injury, Yuvraj will be hoping that skipper Anil Kumble picks him in the playing XI.

Yuvraj's recent form has been a cause of worry, and so has his fitness. He had followed up his dream run in the T20 World Championships and subsequent ODIs, with a Test century against Pakistan in Bangalore. But a miserable run in two Tests in Australia, and a below-par show in the ODI tri-series, had severely pegged him back. This week, however, could be a decisive one in his career.

In Chandigarh for the launch of the Indian Premier League's Kings XI Punjab, Yuvraj looked relaxed. When asked about his chances of playing in the Ahmedabad Test, he said: "If given a chance in the Ahmedabad Test, I will try and grab the opportunity by giving a good performance. Although I had a scratchy tour Down Under in the Test matches, but I'll definitely do well here if given a chance again. I'm keen to prove myself in the Test matches." Mohammad Kaif was included in the squad in place of Sachin Tendulkar, but Yuvraj is the front-runner for the slot since he was in the original squad of 14.

Skipper of the Kings XI Punjab, Yuvraj seemed quite satisfied with the composition of his IPL team. Players like Mahela Jayawardene, Brett Lee, Kumar Sangakkara, Irfan Pathan and James Hopes will don the Punjab team's colours.

Speaking on captaincy, he said, "It will be challenging, but I'm sure I will enjoy this new role. As for the captaincy, it can also help me evolve as a leader for international cricket in the future. I know all my team mates personally. They are brilliant cricketers and we share a professional camaraderie. It will be exciting."

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