Former all-rounder suggested that India can’t be in experimental mode while playing pressure matches like the knock-out games…reports Asian Lite News
Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh on Tuesday said that he is “not sure, to be honest” if India are going to win the 2023 World Cup at home.
In a freewheeling chat on a YouTube channel Cricket Basu, the cricketer pelted the sports presenter with candid views on the state of Indian cricket. And no, Yuvraj isn’t impressed.
So much so when he was asked about India’s 2023 World Cup chances, he said: “I am actually not sure to be honest if they are going to win the World Cup, I can say like a patriot that India will win. I see a lot of concerns in the Indian team in the middle-order because of injuries.
“It is frustrating seeing them (India) not to win a world Cup but it is what it is,” said a visibly agitated Yuvraj when asked about the Indian cricket team’s up-and-down performances of the last ten years.
He also made no bones about the fact that it’s the combinations that have been letting the Indian squad down. “We have a sensible captain, Rohit Sharma. They should get their combination right. We need a couple of games to get ready. We should have a pool of at least 20 players to pick a squad of 15 out of.”
According to Yuvraj in the run up to the World Cup, “The top order is fine but the middle order needs to be sorted. Slots 4 and 5 are very important. If Rishab pant is batting fourth for the IPL franchise, then he should come in at number 4 even for the national squad. The number four batsman cannot be a flamboyant run getter. He has to be someone who can absorb the pressure.”
He also suggested that India can’t be in experimental mode while playing pressure matches like the knock-out games.
Asked about the ideal No.4. the position which he made his own, Yuvraj suggested KL Rahul name and in same breath took Rinku Singh’s name for the spot. “Rinku Singh was batting really well. I think he has the sense to create partnership and retain that strike. It is too early. If you want him, you have to give him enough matches,” Yuvraj added.
For fans who would like to see Yuvraj associated with the game at the highest level he quips, “Yes, I think that I would make a good coach. But for that you have to be in the system.”
He also has hopes for Indian cricket now that former cricketer Ajit Agarkar is also a good choice as the chairman of the selection committee.
Ticket prices revealed
Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly has made an announcement regarding the ticket prices for the upcoming ICC World Cup matches scheduled to be held at Eden Gardens.
Last month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the schedule for the ODI World Cup kicks off on October 5 with a repeat of the 2019 Final as England take on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
According to the fixtures, the iconic Eden Gardens Stadium has been designated to host a total of five matches, including one semifinal.
A ticket for the World Cup semifinal match and India vs South Africa fixture will cost a minimum Rs 900 (Upper tier), D and H block tickets will cost Rs 1500, C and K block tickets Rs 2500 with the maximum ticket price has been set at Rs 3000 for B and L blocks, the Cricket Association of Bengal said on Monday.
The ticket prices for matches between Bangladesh vs Pakistan (October 31), as well as England vs Pakistan ( November 12), will cost Rs 800 for the upper tiers. D and H block tickets will be available at Rs 1200, C and K block tickets will be priced at Rs 2000, and B and L block tickets can be purchased for a maximum price of Rs 2200.
For Bangladesh v Qualifier 1 match ticket rates are Rs 650 for all Upper Tiers, Rs 1000 for D H blocks and Rs 1500 for B C K L blocks.
