Yuvraj Singh still harbours India comeback, says he is far from over

Yuvraj last played for India in a 2016 World T20 match against Australia on March 27 at Mohali.

New Delhi: Out of favour India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh claimed that a lot of cricket is still left in him and is ready for yet another comeback to national team.

In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, which was published on Saturday, the celebrated cricketer said that "I am still motivated. I got a career-best 260 just weeks ago. I'm not through with the game."

Yuvraj, 34, last played for India in a 2016 World T20 match against Australia on March 27 at Mohali. But he continues to play for Punjab, and scored a career-best 260 against Baroda in a Ranji Trophy match last month.

Thanks to his consistent performance in domestic circles, the Punjab skipper became one of the most talked about names ahead of BCCI's announcement of 15-man squad for England Test series.

Evidently, he was not considered for the Test series, but opted another veteran Gautam Gambhir for the initial two matches.

Following are the possible reasons why MSK Prasad and fellow selectors chose against recalling Yuvraj:

1. An already balanced middle order

Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha have establish themselves in the squad and there wasn't any reason to drop one of them. Rohit Sharma's absence meant Karun Nair was handed a chance but he too will, most likely, settle for the bench. The 24-year old Nair has a batting average of 52 in First Class cricket and is one of India's most promising players for future.

2. Not a reliable all-rounder in Tests

Though Yuvraj might have been one of the most reliable all-rounders for India in ODIs and T20Is in the past, he has not replicated the same performance in Tests. He averages just above 33 runs an innings in the longer format of the game and has only picked 9 wickets so far. Handing Hardik Pandya his debut call seemed like a better option to the selectors.

3. Builind a team for the future

Even during the New Zealand series, the selectors chose to snub Gambhir in the initial squad selection as they wanted to give youngsters the exposure and build a team for future. Yuvraj, also has been the victim to such a mindset which can't be blamed either. If India are to build a strong Test team for future and continue ruling this format of the game, giving youngsters chances on home soil is the right call.