It all worked to a nicety against Pakistan when Indian skipper MS Dhoni quietly slipped in a few overs through his part-timers, from the seventh to the 12th overs, says a report in Hindustan Times, adding that Yuvraj gave nothing away with his brand of left-arm spin (3-0-16-2) and Virat exceeded expectations during a three-over spell (3-0-21-1). They floored Pakistan by snaring three top order wickets as well.
Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh form the backbone of India’s batting but it will be their role as part-time bowlers that will be crucial to the team's fortunes in the all-important game against South Africa on Tuesday. The final Super Eights game, however, might provide a different sort of challenge for Dhoni in terms of handling the fifth bowler's quota. South Africa batsmen know what awaits them and will be ready for it. There is always an element of risk with the part-timers and AB de Villiers' team will see it as a chink in India's armour. The two players will be targeted and how they handle the pressure as bowlers will be vital.
Dhoni said the role of his two key players would be crucial to the team's success. "When we play with seven batsmen, the part-timers' role becomes important. Virat is an option but it is crucial to have a left-armer, someone who takes the ball away from the right-hand batsman. Here Yuvi's role is very important."
Meanwhile a report in The Times Of India says that if India can go on to win the World T20, it will make for one of the most amazing stories ever, primarily because of the presence of Yuvraj Singh in the team. “Having conquered cancer, Yuvraj is now conquering the other 'C' - cynicism - that afflicts sports fans in India. Within six months of undergoing his final chemotherapy session, he is back on the field doing his bit in India's victories,” says the report, adding that when he took a bit of time to find his groove, we immediately doubted the selectors' call. International cricket can be a cruel place, and the Indian fans' demands even more so!
“It didn't matter that for a man returning from hell, Yuvraj was doing decently well. The 30-year-old scored 18 and took three wickets in the first game against Afghanistan, at a time when the minnows looked to be taking the chase to India. Thereafter, Yuvi didn't get much to do against England and got out cheaply against Australia. All of a sudden, murmurs began doing the rounds about his place in the team,” says the report, adding that gossip mongers floated the weird theory of skipper MS Dhoni being faced with a choice between Yuvraj and the out-of-touch Virender Sehwag for a berth in the final XI.
“Most assumed that Yuvraj was undercooked for a tournament of this standard. Most also forgot how much faith Dhoni has in a man who has contributed handsomely in India's two World Cup wins in recent times. On Sunday night, Yuvraj silenced the Doubting Thomases again. He took two wickets while giving away just 16 runs in three overs to leave the Pakistan innings fractured. Who says India needs five bowlers in these conditions, when you have Yuvraj around?” says the report.