Ganguly says Team India middle-order must have Yuvraj

Delighted to see Yuvraj Singh regain his silken touch, former India captain Sourav Ganguly said the stylish left-hand batsman deserves a comeback into the national team.

"It's really great to see him bat in full flow once again. I'm not surprised that he's back again. He has 200 per cent chance to make a return," Ganguly said.

The national selectors are slated to meet on September 30 to pick India's squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia at home.

"The middle-order must have Yuvraj Singh. With due respect to Dinesh Karthik, I think Yuvraj is a more deserving No 4 batsman," Ganguly added.

India ‘A’ may  have lost the three-match unofficial ODI series against the West Indies A 1-2 under Yuvraj’s leadership, but the dashing all-rounder made a big statement by scoring a blistering 89-ball 123 in the opening match and then followed it up with 40 and 61 in the next two games.

Ganguly also refused to believe reports that chief selector Sandeep Patil spoke to Sachin Tendulkar about his retirement plans after playing the 200th Test.

"These speculations had happened in the past with players like Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman or myself. But I don't think the Board or Patil has spoken to Tendulkar about his last Test," Ganguly told a regional news channel.

Asked whether Tendulkar has a realistic chance of extending his career beyond 200 Tests, Ganguly replied: "If a great player like Tendulkar has the belief to play, I won't be surprised to see him travel to South Africa."

Drawing a parallel with Indian tennis ace Leander Paes, Ganguly said: "We have seen how Paes won his 14th Grand Slam at 40.

"Things may be different for Tendulkar, who, unlike Paes, plays a team sport where selectors take the call, but it's his (Tendulkar's) wish. As long as he plays, records will keep on tumbling.

"We all would like to see him retire with his head high, whenever it maybe."

On Sreesanth's life ban, Ganguly said it will be difficult for the former India pacer to make a comeback.

"We have seen with other players, like Hansie Cronje, in the past, it takes time to come out of a life ban with all the court cases," Ganguly added.