Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Yudhvir Singh will join Team India as a net bowler for the upcoming Test series between India and Bangladesh. Knowing that he could clock 145-150 consistently, the pacer was picked up by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) before the IPL 2023 season, and he has played five matches for them since.
The 26-year-old worked with Gautam Gambhir and Morne Morkel in 2023. Back then, they were the LSG mentor and fast bowling coach. However, he has little experience as a first-class bowler. With just 4 red-ball matches under his belt, the pacer has much to prove. But, having seen him up close, Gambhir and Morkel realise that Yudhvir has immense potential.
“He received a call yesterday and was asked to report to Chennai on 12th September. It is great news for him—a stepping stone to make it to the Indian team,” a source told KSportsWatch.
Why was Yudhvir Singh selected?
It’s safe to say that no one really expected Yudhvir to be anywhere near the Indian cricket team. His record of 3 wickets at 80 in 4 matches doesn’t justify it either. But he has something that most don’t: speed. Reports had suggested that the selectors were interested in taking Mayank Yadav, the faster current bowler in India, to Australia later this year.
However, Mayank hasn’t been fit in months. So, Gambhir and Morkel may have decided to replace him with another impressive LSG pacer in Yudhvir Singh. His rapid speed has worked in his favour. He won’t probably go to Australia but can offer practice to the Indian batters. Mind you, Bangladesh are bringing in a speedster of their own, Nahid Rana.
Nahid roughed up some Pakistani batters just a week ago. Yudhvir’s inclusion could be to better prepare for Nahid’s rapid pace.
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