Yuvraj Singh's first India coach, Anshuman Gaekwad reckons the southpaw should enjoy this opportunity rather than worry about his Test future
Yuvraj Singh's first India coach, Anshuman Gaekwad reckons the southpaw should enjoy this opportunity rather than worry about his Test future
Yuvraj Singh's biggest regret in his 11-year international career is failing to cement a place in India's Test squad. "People remember you for your Test exploits than anything else," he has often been quoted as saying.
Yuvraj's desperation to break into the Test squad is evident as time is running out for the 29-year-old.
Chairman of selectors Krishnamachari Srikkanth handed yet another lifeline to the southpaw by including him in the squad for the Test series against England from July 21. But at the back of his mind will be the pressure to keep his place for future Test series especially with other talented youngsters knocking on the door constantly. 
Yuvraj Singh. Pic/Getty Images
However, Anshuman Gaekwad, Yuvraj's coach when he debuted for India in the 2000-01 Champions Trophy in Kenya, reckoned the southpaw should play with a clear mind. "He shouldn't think about his (Test) futureu00a0-- whether he would be selected again or not. He should play his natural game without taking any pressure. He should just play his own game and believe in his abilities, which he has shown from time to time. I would like to see more determination from him to do well," Gaekwad told MiD DAY from Baroda.
For someone who has played 274 ODIs and scored 13 tons and 49 half-centuries, Yuvraj's Test record is dismal ufffd 1639 runs in 34 Tests, which includes three centuries and nine half-centuries. The highlights of his best in Tests are the three shining innings ufffd a sparkling century (112) in Lahore in 2004, his spectacular 169 against Pakistan at Bangalore in 2007, and an unbeaten 85 in a successful chase of 387 in Chennai in 2008. "He is a matured player now," said Gaekwad before adding, "That's what we look for in the longer version of the game.
He will be geared up to prove himself this time. His experience will count now. Selectors have noted his past performance in England and that should give him confidence do well in the Test series."
Gaekwad said Yuvraj should make most of his opportunity. "I would suggest him to enjoy this opportunity rather than worry about his future. Form can change class. No doubt he has got class and can surely score more Test tons," he concluded.
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