Yuvraj Singh likely to get nod for World Cup

Yuvraj missed out on the 30 World Cup probables list announced here on December 4. He also lost their annual BCCI contract but things have taken a U-turn since then for the big-hitting batsman.

The Punjab left-hander has shown sublime form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy tournament, cracking three centuries in as many matches. Yuvraj, who was named the Player of the Tournament for his fantastic run in the 2011 World Cup, has forced the selectors to have a rethink.

Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja has fitness issues to contend with and Yuvraj could be the beneficiary. Jadeja returned to India mid-way through the ongoing Test series against Australia to undergo a rehabilitation program for his shoulder injury in Chennai.

The selectors will receive his fitness report when they meet here on Tuesday. Skipper M.S. Dhoni and coach Duncan Fletcher will join the five wise men headed by Sandeep Patil from Australia.

Jadeja is expected to be match-fit around January 20 and could miss a couple of games in the tri-series, starting January 16. Yuvraj who is a utility left-arm spinner as well can be picked for the tri-series and he can be part of the World Cup if Jadeja fails to recover in time.

Another left-arm spinner Axar Patel who joined the Indian Test squad in Australia after the second Test looks like a certainty. It remains to be seen whether the selectors want four specialist pacers or opt for an all rounder in Stuart Binny.

If the selectors feel the need for a leg-spinner then Karn Sharma, who is already in Australia, could score over the experienced Amit Mishra. Another point of debate could be the slot of reserve opener and second wicket-keeper.