Worked hard for this: Yuvi

Cuttack, January 20

Yuvraj Singh did contemplate retirement at one stage after his fight with cancer but his never-say-die attitude helped him get over that phase and he continued his efforts to win back his place in the Indian team. 

On Thursday, when he smashed his career-best 150 at Cuttack, studded with the strokes that had the power and authority of his prime, he was well and truly back. 

“There was a time when I was wondering whether to continue or not. I think a lot of people have helped me through this journey. So, to never give up is my theory. So I never gave up, kept working hard. I knew times will change,” Yuvraj said after India’s series-clinching win.

“Self-confidence is always there when you have the backing of the team and the captain. I think Virat has showed a lot of trust in me and it was very important for me that people in the dressing room trust me.”

His last international hundred came way back in the 2011 World Cup, so he was understandably pleased after smashing the big hundred, his 14th.

“It feels great. It’s been a while since I got a hundred. When I came back after recovering from cancer, the first 2-3 years were very hard. I had to work hard on my fitness and I was in and out of the team. I was not able to get a permanent spot.”

Yuvraj returned on the back of some strong performances in the Ranji Trophy this season that saw him hit his first class career-best — 260 against Baroda.

Old guard

Yuvraj has had some good partnerships with MS Dhoni in the past and he feels the comfort level they share batting alongside each other is key to their success.

“We have always been batting together since he started his career. Mahi and I have played a lot of games for India. The camaraderie was always there. I think we have a lot of understanding when we bat together. Running between the wickets is always good. I hope it works in the future as well.”

Asked what were they discussing during the partnership, Yuvraj said: “We are the two most experienced players in the team. He realised I was getting boundaries, so he was rotating the strike. Our first target was to make 25 runs together, and then go for 50 partnership.”

His recall to the side had evoked mixed reactions with many feeling that the selectors had gone backwards. “I don’t think about who’s reacting to what, nor do I read newspapers. I don’t watch TV too. I try to focus on my game and prove a point to myself that I’m still good enough for international cricket. So I guess I was good today,” he said.

For now, the immediate goal is to be consistent in the coming matches. “Definitely, 150 is a huge score in One-day cricket. It’s my highest and it’s taken a long time to get there but I am very happy it happened today. Hopefully, in the coming time I can contribute more consistently.” — PTI