Dhoni: Yuvraj needs to judge himself

AFP

Dhoni: Yuvraj needs to judge himself

Yuvraj Singh's fine run in domestic cricket has made him a serious contender for a slot in the Indian Test team but MS Dhoni remains uncertain.

"It is very difficult for me to comment on his fitness sitting over here. We have to understand that the five-day format has its own uncertainties unlike ODIs or T20s. In ODIs, you know that you have to field for 50 overs only, while in Test cricket there may be a situation that a team might bat for one-and-a-half to two days.

"We have to assess whether Yuvraj is ready to field for two days," Dhoni replied to a query on whether Yuvraj is fit enough to be selected for the Test series against England.

"Having said that, it is Yuvraj who is the best judge about how he is feeling. He has played quite a few domestic games now and it is up to him to reflect on his game," the Indian skipper told the media during a promotional event on Wednesday.

Dhoni also spoke on the same lines as his colleagues Harbhajan Singh and Virat Kohli, with his vote going in favour of turning tracks.

"I still believe that the groundsmen know what really is good for us. A sporting track always doesn't mean that it will only have grass on it. In the sub-continent it has always been turning tracks, which is for the spinners.

"I haven't seen an off break bowler for a long time who is able to hit the rib cage of a batsman with a delivery that has turn and bounce. It's really painful but you enjoy the challenge," said Dhoni.

The Test series against England is being sought as a revenge series but Dhoni did not want to predict the outcome.

"I don't believe in predicting results. I know that we need to train hard and also look into specific areas."

Asked about the new look Indian team, which would not have the likes of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman against quality opposition, Dhoni quipped, "It might look new on paper but this side will reflect confidence in all three formats in the days to come."