Yuvraj likely to return to Test squad

Chennai:

Axed from the ODI squad due to lack of fitness and form, Yuvraj Singh is likely to make a Test comeback when the selectors meet in Chennai on Saturday to pick the Indian team for the three-match series in Sri Lanka.

"Yuvraj is virtually a certainty tomorrow, more so especially after (captain Mahendra Singh) Dhoni made it clear how much he values Yuvraj's presence in the side," a Board source told PTI.

Before leaving for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, Dhoni was effusive in his praise for Yuvraj, predicting the left-hander would soon return to international cricket.

"The kind of talent Yuvraj is, I do not think it will be difficult for him to come back in the side," Dhoni had said.

"I am just hoping that he will be back as soon as possible. I am a big fan of Yuvraj Singh. It is a pleasure to have him in the side.

"He is one of the best batsmen in the world. He can bat at number four. He is sort of a batsman who can really cash in on. He can play both the ways aggressive cricket and also play good defensive cricket. I do not think it is difficult for him to come back," the India captain gushed.

Yuvraj's last Test match was against Bangladesh in January this year even though a ligament injury did not allow him to bat in the match.

Apart from Yuvraj's inclusion, the Kris Srikkanth-led panel is likely to retain more or less the same squad that played against South Africa earlier this year.

"See, the squad is more or less settled. (Sachin) Tendulkar is available, while (Virender) Sehwag is also likely to recover from his injury," the source said.

Pacer Ishant Sharma, who played in the Test series against South Africa, is also likely to retain his place, while leg-spinner Amit Mishra is set to be persisted with.