Sourav Ganguly like many other cricket experts is worried that Yuvraj SIngh may not be fit enough for a return to the international arena.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is nervously hoping for Yuvraj Singh's success in the Twenty20 World Cup and says two Internationals against New Zealand before the mega event should give a fair idea of how much the southpaw has recovered from cancer.
"The two matches against New Zealand will give us an idea of how much he has recovered. It would be wrong if I say I am not worried about his health. However, I am really happy that he has come back from a tough phase. I am sure he must be thrilled too," said Ganguly at a promotional event for the World T20 beginning in Sri Lanka Sep 18.
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Sourav Ganguly like many other cricket experts is worried that Yuvraj SIngh may not be fit enough for a return to the international arena. File Pic
Many former cricketers, including Ganguly, had raised fears about Yuvraj's fitness in the wake of his surprise selection in the T20 side announced earlier in the month.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjerekar, who also attended the event, said Yuvraj's presence will inspire the team.
"Let's be honest, it was an emotional decision to bring him back. It is difficult to imagine the trauma he has gone through. But the good thing is that he has shown eagerness to come back and will certainly boost the team's morale," said Manjrekar.
Yuvraj will get the chance of some serious match practice in the two matches against New Zealand scheduled September 8 and 11. The World T20 will take place in Sri Lanka from September 18 to October 12.
‘Bhajji shouldn't have been kept out for more than 6 months’
Ganguly said the Indian cricket board should have ensured that senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was not kept out of the national side for more than six months.
"You can call it my bias or love for Harbhajan but if in India you are picking three best spinners in the country, Harbhajan Singh's got to figure in that list. Harbhajan is one bowler who should be playing all three formats of the game," Ganguly said.
"I still believe one year was a bit too long time to keep Harbhajan out of the Indian team. The board should have spoken to him and told him that 'look we are giving you six months time to sort out your bowling'."
"You can't keep a bowler like him in domestic cricket for too long. If you have played for the country for 12 years, you are bound to have one bad season. But he has got close to 700 international wickets which is no mean feat," said the man who has handled Harbhajan the best among all Indian captains.
Ganguly felt that the Indian team does have a good chance of doing well in the World T20 Championship as they have players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli, who can all clear the boundary at will.
"We have seen in IPL also that we have some of the cleanest hitters in the game. The ability to consistently clear the boundaries will be a factor.
"Also they will be playing in familiar sub-continental conditions. In the last two World T20 Championships, the short ball was a factor as it was flying above the head. But here, even if a bowler digs in short, it will at the most come at waist height which is comfortable for Indian batsmen."
The real test, according to Ganguly, will start only after the group stages are over, and India are likely to be clubbed with Australia and Pakistan in the Super Eights.
"India are likely to be in a tough group in Super Eights. But I believe it's a good thing to play tough sides before you get to the semi-finals."
Former Indian cricketers and commentators for the upcoming TTwenty20 World Cup, Sourav Ganguly (left) and Sanjay Manjrekar.u00a0
Piyush Chawla's inclusion has raised quite a few eyebrows but Ganguly felt that he will be a back-up for Harbhajan and R Ashwin in case there is an injury.
"Also, Chawla has a terrific World Cup record. He was part of 2007 and 2011 squads. That might also be a reason," the elegant left-hander of yesteryears said in jest.
Ganguly also believed that with the inclusion of Chris Gayle, West Indies will be the side to watch out for in the competition.
"You have some of the finest T20 pros in their side. You have Gayle, (Kieron) Pollard and Dwayne Smith. We have all seen what Smith is capable of in IPL. They have a fantastic off-spinner in Sunil Narine and two good fast bowlers in Fidel Edwards and Kemar Roach who can clock 90 mph. Pakistan is also one team that has talent in abundance."
On a different note, Ganguly said that it is not a good idea to bar Under-19 cricketers from playing T20 cricket.
"If you see Unmukt's (Chand) batting in the final, the kid hit seven sixes and that too staying rooted at the crease. For an 18-year-old to do that takes a lot of strength. One has to understand that ability to hit big shots adds dimension to your game, which is necessary."
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