Yuvraj Singh Seeks Finisher's Role in Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Team India

Yuvraj Singh might be cooling his heels away from the hustle-bustle of international cricket but the stylish left-hander has not given up hopes of playing for Team India, again. (Ranji Trophy: Punjab Pin Hope on Yuvraj Singh Against Baroda)

The 33-year-old, who last played an ODI for India in December 2013, said he wouldn't mind taking up the finisher's role but needed an extended run in the team. ODI and twenty20 skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni had indicated India needed someone to finish (to win) matches after the recent defeats against South Africa. (Yuvraj Singh Steers Clear of Dad Yograj Singh's Outburst Against MS Dhoni)

"I am working really hard. The domestic limited-overs tournaments are coming up and I want to perform really well in that to earn a recall as there are a lot of ODI and T20 tournaments coming up," Yuvraj said in an interview to the Hindu.

Yuvraj, who got engaged last month, has been doing well in the domestic circuit for Punjab and Suresh Raina's poor form could very well pave the way for a national comeback. (Yuvraj Singh Back to Ranji Cricket, Dad Hopes Fiancee Hazel Keech Will Bring Luck)

The swashbuckling southpaw has averaged 37.5 in his last 10 innings for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy. Yuvraj smashed 187 against Gujarat in October.

"I would love to be that person (finisher). And hopefully I can get an extended run. It is extremely difficult to perform straight away. I would like to cement my place in the side in that role," he added.

Praise for Virat Kohli

Yuvraj, meanwhile, was all praise for India Test skipper Virat Kohli and backed his aggressive style of captaincy.

"I am very happy with the way he has captained the side. He is best when he is aggressive. He has become more mature. He has already played a lot of matches.

"He will take Indian cricket forward. You need to give him some time. Media is always at him. There is no point in curbing his aggression as you don't want him to change completely."

Not one to shy away from expressing his views, Yuvraj joined the pitch debate that has grabbed headlines in the ongoing Test series against South Africa.

"You want to exploit home advantage against visiting teams and win matches but bowlers and batsman need to get a fair chance.

"Batsmen should not feel uncertain after every delivery. It is similar to what happens when we go abroad when they prepare bouncy or seaming pitches," opined Yuvraj.