Illness could keep Yuvraj out of IPL-V

Ace batsman Yuvraj Singh is unlikely to play in the fifth edition of Indian Premier League. He is undergoing treatment for a non-malignant lung tumour and is expected to be out of competitive cricket for about six months.

According to a source close to the cricketer, Yuvraj is currently in the United States for treatment.

- IPL-V players' auction on Feb 4 in Bangalore

"Yuvraj went to the UK and from there travelled to the United States for advanced treatment. The oncologists who will be treating him in the US will take a call on whether he will undergo surgery or any other form of treatment. But that's for sure, he won't be playing in the IPL," the source said on Wednesday.

The fifth edition of the IPL starts on April 4, and Yuvraj, who captained Pune Warriors in the last edition, could only be fit in time for the home series against New Zealand.

"Yuvraj is an asset and no one would want to see him rush his comeback. He (Yuvraj) knows that the Indian team still needs his services and won't rush his comeback. The recuperation might take considerable amount of time, may be up to six months. Therefore, ideally one can expect his comeback when New Zealand are in India, in August this year," the source added.

The 30-year-old left-hand batsman is out of action since the second Test against the West Indies in Kolkata in November.