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Dhoni plans to give Yuvraj a chance

Yuvraj Singh will be given a chance to show his form before the World Twenty20 next month

India captain MS Dhoni will try to provide veteran batsman Yuvraj Singh with some crucial time in the middle before the start of next month's World Twenty20.

Yuvraj was dismissed for a golden duck coming in at No.7 during India's crushing 69-run victory over Sri Lanka in Ranchi on Friday and has barely been required to bat since he won a recall to the national side last month.

The left-hander's only recent innings of note was the unbeaten 15 he hit against Australia to help clinch a series victory in Sydney, but Dhoni knows he must try to get Yuvraj in-form before the World Twenty20 commences in India on March 15. 

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"I will try to give him more opportunity in the upcoming games," Dhoni told reporters following India's victory over Sri Lanka.

"But again we want to win games. That will also be our priority. We will see how it goes. "

There should be ample opportunities for Yuvraj to spend some time at the crease, with India still to complete their series against Sri Lanka and further warm-up matches planned at the Asia Cup and on home soil ahead of the World Twenty20.

"When a match starts, Yuvi is slotted in at No 5," Dhoni explained.

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"It is difficult to get him to bat at a higher position than that. Because the top four – the openers, No.3 is Virat Kohli, No. 4 is Suresh Raina. 

"If you look at these four, their record in India and overseas is extraordinary. It becomes slightly difficult."

Hardik Pandya was promoted up the order and ahead of Yuvaj against Sri Lanka and the youngster didn't let Dhoni down as he contributed a quickfire 27 from just 12 balls.

Dhoni was full of praise for Pandya and believes the 22-year-old has a big future in the game.

"It was an opportunity for him to see international cricket closely," Dhoni said. 

"This is what he is known for. He can go in and play the big shots straightaway. 

"So in the coming games whenever we give some opportunity, we would like to give every player some kind of batting so that going into the T20 World Cup, everyone has some kind of exposure when it comes to batting."