Return of the princely drives and flicks

Those royal on drives, those effortless pickup shots, that high back-lift, everything that viewers had missed in the Indian team for over a year now will again be on display tomorrow.

The India-New Zealand T20 to be played in Visakhapatnam tomorrow holds huge significance because it will feature a batsman who is considered as one of the best finishers in world cricket. Yuvraj Singh will take the field after fighting and winning the greatest battle of his life, the battle against cancer. The world of cricket will salute him for his fighting spirit and his commitment towards his passion.

Making a return to the national side after going through intense medication is not an easy feat as it takes immense mental strength. Now that he has overcome that barrier, critics will have a keen eye on him as to whether he will able to perform in the same manner as he previously did and would he be able to replicate some of those memorable innings which had left audiences and oppositions awestruck.

His most recent innings which is etched in the memory of every Indian is his knock against Australia in the quarter final of the 2011 World Cup played on 24th March 2011, when he rescued India from dire straits and alongwith Suresh Raina took India into the semi final. Another innings that he is highly respected and remembered for is his knock against England played on 13th July 2002 when he and Kaif chased down an improbable target to win the Natwest cup for India.

He has played innumerable innings like these and regardless of whether he scores a thirty or a hundred, he finishes the game for India. Moreover, the shots he plays to get these runs are extremely pleasing to the eye. It has been a long time since viewers have had the privilege to watch these pleasing shots and there will be huge anticipation of these princely drives and flicks when he takes the field tomorrow.