Ask any sportsman and he will acknowledge that making a comeback is among the toughest of challenges.
It’s not about skills anymore; it’s the mental demons you have to conquer for the scrutiny is that much harsher. For this reason, the focus will be on Yuvraj Singh in the limited overs series against Australia.
Axed by the selectors at the start of the year after some indifferent showing, Yuvraj has done mighty well to win back his place, accumulating 389 runs in the five List ‘A’ matches and a lone T20 he has played since his return after a fitness stint in France.
The 32-year-old southpaw is looking leaner and fitter, but how he copes with the extra pressure of retaining his place will decide his future. His skipper MS Dhoni, though, made it clear there will be no shortage of support for the dashing batsman.
Pressure test
“We will try to keep it as normal as possible because once you are back in the side and it becomes like a comeback scenario, the kind of pressure on the player (is immense). It doesn’t matter if you are one of the biggest match-winners or you are just making your debut or you are coming back.
“It is important to take the feeling away from the individual that he is coming back because what is important is for the individual to be expressive on the field, back himself and have belief in his talent.
{{/usCountry}}“It is important to take the feeling away from the individual that he is coming back because what is important is for the individual to be expressive on the field, back himself and have belief in his talent.
{{/usCountry}}“The kind of talent he has got, it will ultimately show in the field. We try to keep it as normal as possible and take any undue pressure off him. Hopefully it will work,” said Dhoni.
The strong backing of the team management does not come as a surprise.
If he clicks, Yuvraj will not only provide a lot of firepower in the middle-order but also provide a handy option of left-arm spin.