Dhoni backs Yuvraj to take up Ganguly’s Test spot

Dhoni backs Yuvraj to take up Ganguly’s Test spot

Colombo, Feb 9: Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has little doubts over Yuvraj Singh’s abilities as a Test player and was hopeful that the south paw will carry on his superb form into the longer version of the game during the New Zealand tour. Yuvraj has been an integral part of the India’s ODI and Twenty20 for a long time now but it was only last year when he was recalled into the Test side. The 27-year-old earned his place in the Indian team with some good performances in the limited-over format and Sourav Ganguly’s retirment also played an important role in his selection for the Test matches. “He deserves a place in the Test side,” Dhoni said adding, ''The good thing with him is that if he settles, he puts in a lot of pressure on the opposition. “His bowling is a plus point and he is a brilliant fielder too,” Dhoni pointed. India will begin its tour to New Zealand later this month and is scheduled to play two Twenty20 matches, five ODIs and three Tests. Dhoni admitted that Ganguly’s retirement did open the gates of Test side for Yuvraj and was hopeful that he will make the most out of that opportunity. “Sourav Ganguly’s retirement gives him a good opportunity,” Hopefully, he can cash in on it. “A batsman like him who can come in at number five or six and who can support VVS Laxman will be a big help,” he added. Yuvraj wasn’t amongst the runs the last time India toured Sri Lanka but this time he made the amends, earning the man of the series in India's 4-1 win. Dhoni said Yuvraj was susceptible to spin in the past but he was sure that the left-hander has overcome that problem. “I spent a lot of time in the nets figuring out how to tackle the spinners.” “I haven’t changed too many things in my game. The more you play, the more you learn, so I just backed myself and played to my strengths,” Dhoni said.