5 reasons why Gambhir's statements about Yuvraj and Dhoni make sense

Though the Chairman of Indian selectors, MSK Prasad, insisted that Yuvraj Singh has been rested, former Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir did not think so.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Gambhir said, “I don’t think ‘rest’ is the right word because he (Yuvraj) hasn’t played any cricket for quite a while and he would want to play. If you want to see him at the World Cup, he should be given the maximum opportunity.

“Because, someone like Yuvraj, you want him in that flow, you want him in that rhythm. You can’t have someone like him playing in one series and resting thereafter. So, I feel that it’s difficult now for Yuvraj to make a comeback. Hopefully, he does because he is one of the greats of the game.”

Gambhir also fired a warning at former Indian skipper Dhoni saying that he can’t bank on his past laurels and must be consistent if he wants to play on till the 2019 World Cup.

“The only way he can survive till 2019 World Cup is by keep on performing. That should be the criteria for everyone, irrespective of whether he is Dhoni or someone else.”

“Okay, you have done something in the past but that’s passed. You can’t keep playing till you want to.”

Though the comments stirred some controversy, here are 5 reasons why Gambhir is correct.

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#5 Age factor

The single reason why Gambhir’s statement is justified is because of the current age of Yuvraj and Dhoni. Yuvraj is known as the ‘Master of Comebacks’ as he has always found a way to fight his way back into the team.

But at 35, it might be difficult for him to claw his way back yet again. The selectors had given him a long rope but he flattered to deceive which means he might not get another opportunity.

This is the same reason why Dhoni should be on his toes and continue to perform. Since he would be 38 by the time of the 2019 World Cup, only consistency will ensure his inclusion in the team.

The average age of most of the Indian stars will be above 30 by 2019 which is why India will be more keen to try out a few youngsters if need be.

#4 Yuvraj is no longer an all-rounder

Yuvraj's athletic ability has dropped as well

If we look at India’s victorious campaign in the 2011 World Cup, the performer who stands out for them with both bat and ball is Yuvraj Singh. It was Yuvraj’s all-round efforts that ensured India’s win and earned him the Man of the Tournament award.

Ever since his comeback, Yuvraj seems to have lost his ability to bowl well and pick wickets in the middle overs. He has hardly bowled of late which means it will always be difficult for him to find a place in the side as a pure batsman now.

Yuvraj’s performances with the bat have not been good enough to warrant him a place in the side as a batsman. His sloppy fielding of course does not help his cause.

The likes of Kedar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya now fit the bill as all-rounders which is why Yuvraj will struggle to make a comeback.

#3 No longer power-hitters

Yuvraj and Dhoni simply don't have the power-hitting ability anymore

One of the most important reasons why Gambhir’s statement is correct is because unlike a decade ago, Yuvraj and Dhoni are no longer vital members of the side now. They are replaceable now because their USP, which was power-hitting, is now a thing of the past.

Turn the clock back to a decade ago and you are instantly reminded of Yuvraj’s six sixes against Stuart Broad at the Kingsmead Oval. And a young Dhoni with flashing hair used to clear any boundary at ease.

The power-hitting seems to be a thing of the past now. Yuvraj looks too rusty and his shots, more often than not, find a fielder while Dhoni, for a long time now, has become more of a clever grafter.

The likes of Hardik Pandya, who is one of the cleanest hitters of the cricket ball, have taken that position now. This is why Yuvraj would struggle to make a comeback now and consistency is Dhoni’s best bet.

#2 Emergence of promising youngsters

KL Rahul's emergence puts more pressure on Dhoni

The emergence of promising youngsters has ensured the omission of Yuvraj and increased the pressure on Dhoni. The inclusion of Yuvraj was at best a stop-gap measure and with the return of Manish Pandey, his omission became inevitable.

Manish Pandey is yet to get a game in the current series and he will be breathing down Dhoni’s neck. The other youngster whose return has bolstered the side is KL Rahul who is no mark with the bat and can don the wicket-keeper’s gloves as well.

Moreover, in the wicket-keeping department, there is no dearth of young talent with the likes of Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan waiting in the wings. Simply put, when a batsman of the calibre of Ajinkya Rahane struggles to get into the team, you know how high the competition is for places.

#1 Poor run of form

Yuvraj had a string of poor scores in West Indies

The main reason why Gambhir is correct and Yuvraj has been axed from the side is because of his poor run of form. Other than the splendid 150 in Cuttack and a half-century against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, Yuvraj has done precious little ever since his return.

The southpaw has scored 372 runs in 11 ODIs at an average of 41.33. In T20Is, he has scored 209 in 18 matches. Apart from those two innings, Yuvraj has not scored a single half-century in any of the remaining 9 ODIs.

His last three scores of 4, 14 and 39 against the West Indies served as the final nail in his coffin.

When it comes to Dhoni, there are ubiquitous cries of he is no longer the finisher that he was as he has very often struggled to win matches now even when he is at the crease. But all cries that he is not consistent enough have been quietened for now with his match-winning knock in the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka.

But the pressure will be on Dhoni to continue performing consistently till 2019.