Yuvraj Singh: Will He Make India's World Cup Squad?

If Andrew Flintoff can make a shock comeback, why not Yuvraj Singh? The Indian all-rounder's old sparring partner shocked the cricketing world by making a successful return for Lancashire before earning a contract with the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash. Yuvraj has even loftier ambitions for the winter.

Despite not appearing for India for the best part of a year, the 32-year-old Yuvraj still has an eye on a place in India's 2015 World Cup squad.

In an interview with India's NDTV, Yuvraj said, “Anything is possible in life, and I am looking forward to playing for India again.”

So is a return to the big stage anything more than a pipe dream for the big-hitting all-rounder? There are certainly some big obstacles to overcome if Yuvraj is to return to the global stage. First and foremost is his own lack of big scores.

A run of 23, 15, 40, four and 17 in his last five 50-over appearances for Punjab is barely tapping the selectorial door, let alone barging it down. And his returns with the ball have been solid rather than spectacular, with three wickets in his past four matches.

The other major obstacle to an international comeback is the form shown by India's current crop of one-day dashers. It's hard to see Yuvraj budging Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Shikhar Dhawan or Ajinkya Rahane from the Indian top order.

And Ravindra Jadeja appears to have made the lower-middle hitter order cum part-time spinner role his own.

Yuvraj's record Down Under isn't even that impressive either. In 17 innings in ODIs in Australia, he has passed 50 just three times and has averaged 30.35. In 26 overs with the ball, he has picked up a single wicket at a cost of 126 runs.

What Yuvraj would bring to the Indian side is a top drawer World Cup pedigree. A total of 362 runs at an average of 90.50 combined with 15 wickets at 19.40 was plenty good enough to see him named Man of the Tournament in the 2011 competition.

A noted scrapper, he wouldn't be intimidated by hostile Australian crowds or trash-talking opponents. MS Dhoni's side may need his steely pragmatism when things aren't going their way.

Yuvraj does have the backing of one high-profile figure, Sunil Gavaskar. The former Indian opener believes that neither Yuvraj nor Virender Sehwag should be counted out of the World Cup reckoning.

Gavaskar told NDTV, "If they show tremendous form in domestic matches, they'll certainly be in the frame. I won't rule them out at all. While we look at them as batting destroyers, what every captain is looking for is somebody who can bowl a few overs. Both these guys can bowl a few overs and it gives the captain flexibility."

It seems long odds against the possibility that Yuvraj will make a late return to the Indian side. Events could change very rapidly though. The Indians face a tough Test series in Australia prior to the World Cup.

Mitchell Johnson is bowling very quickly and could cause as much damage, both mental and physical, to the Indians as he did to England last year.

It's easy to picture the odd broken finger or shattered ego at the hands of the Aussie speedster, paving the way for a fairytale return.

Despite the unlikely nature of a spectacular comeback, the all-rounder remains optimistic about his chances. He told NDTV, “Selection is not in my hands. I've got a few domestic tournaments coming up (and) I look forward to playing in that. If they (selectors) think I can still deliver, I think I'll get picked. I just look forward to playing cricket.”

Yuvraj's best days may be behind him. If the defending champions need an experienced old head to fill up the final place in the squad, the selectors could do worse than taking a glance in Yuvraj's direction.