Yuvraj Singh called for fitness test, in line for ODI comeback after three years

Yuvraj Singh is in line to make an ODI comeback after three years in the upcoming 5-match series against New Zealand. He is set to undergo a fitness test in Bengaluru, following Gautam Gambhir’s test at the same venue on Tuesday. Gambhir was given an emergency call to fill in for the injured opener KL Rahul, and speculation is strong that it will be a Gambhir-Vijay opening duo starting India’s innings at the Eden Gardens in the 2nd Test.

As for Yuvraj, he is part of the scheme of things for coach Anil Kumble in the ODI format. India will play a series of 5 ODIs against the Kiwis from 16 October to 29 October, and Yuvraj’s all-round abilities is the reason thought to be why he has been considered for the ODIs for the first time since December 2013.

Kumble had reportedly conferred with both Gambhir and Yuvraj on the sidelines of the Duleep Trophy earlier this month and told both veterans to be prepared for a return to the national team, considering the long home season that is ahead, according to Aaj Tak.

Both Gambhir and Yuvraj have played alongside Kumble in the early days of their careers and have both been part of the two recent World Cup triumphs for the national team – the 2007 World T20 and the 2011 ODI World Cup. In 2016, they have been recalled for what has to be the last chapters of the careers.

Yuvraj was recalled to the T20I side earlier this year, in preparation for the World T20. He batted in the lower middle order but did not get an opportunity to score many runs. He did manage scores of 35 against Sri Lanka and 24 against Pakistan, though. The left-hander also picked up 5 wickets after his recall, bowling at a good economy rate.

Reports suggest that Gambhir’s fitness test has been successfully completed in Bengaluru, and he is said to have passed with flying colours. Gambhir has been piling on the runs in recent times, in all formats. In the recent Duleep Trophy, he led India Blue to the championship, with personal scores of 77, 90, 59, 94 and 36. He was part of Delhi’s training camp for the Ranji Trophy when he received the welcome news that asked him to be ready for national duty.

It would now appear a similar turn of fortune awaits another of India’s favourites, Yuvraj Singh.