World Cup 2011 hero Yuvraj Singh’s international career seems to be in its last legs, and the squad announcement of World Cup 2019 has put a decided stamp on that. His Indian Premier League (IPL) career could have ended a while if not for Mumbai Indians (MI), who picked him in the auction for his base price. MI skipper Rohit Sharma backed him as MI’s mainstay in the middle order because of the experience he brings into the fold. But lately, he hasn’t been given enough chances in the MI side.
Yuvraj’s former teammate Irfan Pathan asked a question on Twitter after Rohit announced the playing XI against Delhi Capitals (DC) yesterday. The 37-year-old’s name was not on the team sheet yet again. The swashbuckling left-handed batsman may have not been outstanding in the season so far but he has made valuable contributions in the four matches he played.
Where is #yuvi ??
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 18, 2019
Given the fact that MI were playing against DC, the decision seems even more confusing. He had an half-century to his name playing against DC in this season already. Giving him another go in the playing XI would have seemed like an obvious choice. But they went ahead with Ishan Kishan instead.
Yuvraj’s fans expressed their disappointment on his exclusion from the side:
Yeah. That’s exactly what I’m asking. Why @YUVSTRONG12 is not playing for @mipaltan ? I have seen #YuvrajSingh during the practice session. #MumbaiIndians This is not done? #Yuvi has performed at his Best in whatever chances He has got.#MI #IPL2019 #DCvMI #CricketMeriJaan #DC
— Aditya Saha (@adityakumar480) April 18, 2019
Looks like @mipaltan have taken Yuvi to warm there benches. it’s really sad to see WorldCup Hero sitting in the dugout.
— Ameeque Ahmed (@AmeequeAhmed) April 18, 2019
The question millions want to ask to mumbai management?
— Ajmal Shah (@AjmalShah_aJu) April 18, 2019
Yuvi is not getting chances to play and they say he is out of form. #MumbaiIndians
— Neeraj Patil (@NeerajP97407024) April 18, 2019
It hurts the most when a legend is ignored like @YUVSTRONG12
— Krishan bhardwaj (@Krishanbharwaj) April 18, 2019
Thanks Pathan Bhai for your concern about Yuvraj Singh. You are the only one to ask about yuvi otherwise everyone is busy in praising stupid players.
There is no replacement of Yuvraj Singh.— kamal rohilla (@kamalrohilla) April 18, 2019
Yuvraj has scored 98 runs from 4 matches at a strike rate of 130.66 which is decent enough for a No.4 batsman in a T20 setup. On the other hand, Kishan has scored just 50 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 116.27. Comparing the statistics of the two batsmen it is quite clear which player brings more balance to the side. MI may be putting their trust in Kishan because of his performances in the previous season, but in the process they are underutilising Yuvraj’s talent.
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