Yuvi deserves place in Tests: Dhoni

COLOMBO: For the second ODI series in succession, Yuvraj Singh has made a dashing impression. The two man-of-the-series awards are just reward for his all-round efforts.
In the home series against England he raked up 325 runs in five matches (average 108.33), inclusive of two centuries, while in the five-match ODI series which concluded here on Sunday, he led the run charts with 284 runs (average 56.80), inclusive of one century and two fifty-plus scores. With such a stirring run of scores in the ODIs, it is only just that he gets a regular spot in the Test XI too.
"He deserves a place in the Test side," agreed captain MS Dhoni, then went on to extol the virtues of having such a talented player in the side. "The good thing with him is that if he settles in he puts in a lot of pressure on the opposition. His bowling is a plus point and he is a brilliant fielder too," he said.
Yuvraj himself said he was keen to dispel doubts that he could not play quality spin well. ������Coming here the last time, I had a very bad series. I wanted to make a point this time and was determined to turn it around.
"With my teammates and Sachin (Tendulkar) helping me a lot in the nets, I figured out how to effectively tackle the spinners," he said, ������But I haven���t changed too many things in the game.������
The slot left vacant by Sourav Ganguly���s retirement could be Yuvraj���s when the Test series begins in New Zealand in the last week of this month. "That (Sourav���s retirement) gives him an opportunity. Hopefully he can cash in on it. A batsman like him coming at No. 5 or No. 6 and who can support VVS Laxman will be of a big help."
Dhoni also defended the inclusion of L Balaji and debutant Ravindra Jadeja for Sunday���s game. "Today we are in a situation in which we can give them (reserve players) a chance, it was not a forced thing. The objective was to let them experience international cricket so they mature as players. If they sit in the dressing room they won���t get that feel.������