IPL 2019: Yuvraj Singh tries his hand at the helicopter shot

Modified Mar 11, 2019 11:34 IST

What's the story?

Ahead of the IPL 2019, Yuvraj Singh is playing for Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Even though he hasn't scored many runs in the tournament, he has been middling the ball well. He scored 73 runs in the season thus far at an average of 18.25 and a strike rate of about 112. His best knock came against the Railways where he scored 26 off 15 balls in an inning that included six fours.

At the same time, the cricketer is practicing with the Mumbai Indians for the upcoming season of the premier T20 league in the country. In one of those sessions, he also tried to play a helicopter shot emulating his mate MS Dhoni. He tried to whack a left-arm orthodox spinner over the mid-wicket region.

The background

It's been a while since all-rounder Yuvraj Singh was seen donning the Indian colours. He was dropped from the side after a poor series against the Windies in 2017. Yuvi is 37-years-old now and has almost reached the twilight of his career. But the fighter within him is refusing to give up.

The southpaw is still battling to try and make it back into the Indian team - possibly for one last time. In an attempt to do so, Yuvraj Singh has got a wonderful opportunity in front of him in the form of IPL 2019. He will be representing the Mumbai Indians in this edition of the tournament.

The heart of the matter

Last year, Yuvraj was picked by the Kings XI Punjab at the auction. But, he had a forgettable season with his home team. He only managed to score 65 runs in 8 games at an average close to 11. His strike rate also took a dip and fell to an all-time IPL career low of 89.

Thus, the Punjab franchise decided to part ways with him. He was unsold initially in the IPL 2019 auction. But when his name popped up again in the final stage, Mumbai Indians decided to bid for him and got him at a bargain price of ₹1 crore only.

Now, ahead of the IPL 2019 season, he seems to be working hard to make a comeback into the Indian team. He is looking at the league as the opportunity for him to open the doors to the national team. The all-rounder has been working hard on his fitness as well.

What's next?

Yuvraj Singh is most likely to get an opportunity in the starting eleven of the Mumbai Indians. He is expected to play in the middle-order for the side. The team management will believe that the experience of the veteran cricketer will help the team in difficult situations.

At the same time, this could be the last opportunity for Yuvraj Singh in the IPL. Franchises have shown reluctance is buying him at the auction. Hence, it is a crucial summer for him on the personal front. It could either be a make or break season for him.