So, based on a previous blog of mine, I suppose most of the readers have figured out that I have a soft corner for Yuvraj Singh…India’s superstar….A cricket who could make the game look sexy!!!
Since the year 2014, India has tried 25+ batsmen at the number 4 spot. A void rather than a huge deficit created by the downfall of Yuvi. The list ranges from the very obvious Ambati Rayudu to the not-so-obvious Mandeep Singh. So let’s have a quick look at 4 players who are possibly bound to replace Yuvraj…(Not concerning the position but filling the void of a dominant, classy, and consistent batsman):
4. Shivam Dube
Yes, I suppose most of the readers might be surprised to see this individual out here but yes, he is more than capable. Converging to the attributes of Yuvraj, Dube too is a tall, strong, swashbuckling left-hand bat. One can never forget Dube smoking 5 consecutive sixes in the final of the Mumbai Premier League. Dube has somewhat proved his mettle after scoring a 50 against the Windies…and by showing his bowling prowess against the Aussies. A batsman who can be floated up and down the order to accelerate the run rate, Dube definitely can be backed to be a Rockstar.
3. Shubman Gill
So, a young boy from Punjab going to Australia and dominating the hell outta them!!! No, no..this isn’t Yuvi but Shubman himself. Another 6 ft tall batsman who scores quick runs….Shubman is a complete package. His 91 against the Kangaroos in the Fortress Gabba is one for the ages. Shubman is backed by his state senior Yuvraj. Yuvraj’s academy made Shubman ready for the “Chin-Music”(short bowling spells) from the flame-throwing trio of Starc, Cummins, and Hazelwood. Shubman like Yuvraj has won the U-19 World Cup, while simultaneously being the Man of the tournament.
Just talk about another tall, left-handed, young Indian and DevD makes the list!! With Shikhar Dhawan aging and another instantaneous void being created a National team call-up is just about at the door of Padikkal. Like Yuvi, Padikkal too made his name in domestic cricket by making a mockery of domestic bowlers. One can never ignore the resemblance that his flick shows to Yuvraj’s flick. With the game moving fast and run-rates increasing rapidly DevD is surely in for the big game!!
So, the most precise fit for the bill is Rishabh Rajendra Pant!! A possible number 4, although not so tall, is a left-hander and most importantly a player who can scare the opponent by the sheer presence on the field!! Be it the Gabba glory, the Sydney 97, or the overseas hundreds against Aussies and English….Rishabh has shown what he is capable of!!! One can never get over him smacking spinners over mid-wicket!! One of Yuvraj’s signature shots!! A player who has his stardom and defines New India during his era Rishabh if remains injury-free is going to dominate for 10+ years!! Fearless and having the hunger of giving a fight Rishabh definitely has inherited it from Yuvi….
To conclude I would like to say that the nation however doesn’t need “Next Yuvraj” we need either a first “Rishabh” or a first “Shivam”. These are young prospects and need to step up and show character and as a fan, I am sure they will!!