Batsman's former coach Bhupinder Singh is certain the recent dip in form is severely affecting the left-hander
Batsman's former coach Bhupinder Singh is certain the recent dip in form is severely affecting the left-hander
It could be his swagger or his way of chewing gum, but Yuvraj Singh always gives the impression that he is indifferent to the dip in his form and unaffected by the controversies that have dogged him from time to time.
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But ask his former Punjab coach and selector, Bhupinder Singh Sr, and he tells you that beneath the unfazed exterior, lies a very hurt individual.
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Yuvraj's bad-boy image took a further beating when the media reported that he was among the seven Indian cricketers involved in a brawl in a St Lucia pub the day India were knocked out of the ICC World Twenty20. The repercussions of the incident have been grave and Yuvraj has been served a show-cause notice by the Indian board.
The Punjab all-rounder's former coach sets the context: "He had a mediocre World Cup and looks a bit out of form at the moment. He was coming back from an injury that affected his momentum."
Yuvraj has not been too injury prone, but there have been quite a few ever since he sustained a knee injury during the 2006 Champions Trophy. There have been moments of brilliance after that, but his fitness levels have gradually dropped and his game has suffered.
"It happens with every player that once you suffer a major injury you are not the same even after you have recovered from that," said Bhupinder, who has served Punjab with distinction as a player, coach and selector.
"His recent form is a cause for alarm and Yuvraj will be more concerned than anyone. But he has done well in the past and I am sure that he would like to do well on the big stage again. A fit Yuvraj is an asset to any team," observed Bhupinder.
As to his prediction as to where was Yuvraj's career headed, Bhupinder said: "Destiny is not in anybody's hand. Only Yuvraj knows whether he is going to work hard or in what shape his body is."
Bhupinder is probably not the only Indian hoping, Yuvraj gets back to tip top shape and has less controversies to keep him company in the days to come.
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