"After Gary Kirsten, Daniel Vettori is the best coach I've played under" - Yuvraj Singh Interview
World Cup winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh was snapped up in the IPL auctions earlier this year by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a record fee of Rs. 14 crore ($2.33 million) and was the biggest buy this year.
Though not consistent in IPL 2014, Yuvraj delivered some sensational knocks, overcoming criticism and striking some brilliant half-centuries in 14 matches, averaging 34.18 with a strike rate of 135.25. Post IPL, he struck a century in the MCC XI v Rest of the World XI exhibition match in July.
Recently, he was in Bangalore to encourage the finalists in the hugely successful second season of RCB Corporate Cricket Championship.
Sportskeeda joined him for a quick chat. Here are the excerpts:
Who’s your biggest critic and supporter in the RCB dressing room?
Well, in the RCB dressing room, we just discuss our plans before going out to bat. We all know what game we have to go out and play.
If I have to discuss anything about my batting, I speak to Sachin.
Thoughts on Daniel Vettori as coach.
Dan is very cool and calm. He's always positive and always handles situations very well. He's one of the best coaches I have played under, and hopefully, after he finishes his cricket career, he should be coaching international teams. I'm sure the team will benefit a lot from him.
After Gary Kirsten, he's the best coach I have played under.
Most difficult bowler you've faced?
Muttiah Muralitharan.
Most memorable prank at RCB?
At RCB, we've played a few pranks but we should plan a major one next year.
Best moment - 2007 WT20 or 2011 World Cup?
Well, a World Cup win is huge, irrespective of the format. 2007 was special because it was the first World Cup, but ODI World Cup is more special because it comes after 4 years.
Best thing about playing at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore?
I think it has a great environment. People over here really support us with a lot of love, and it's a great atmosphere to play in.
Every time you hit a few sixes here, it feels like you've hit 15 or 20. Great atmosphere to play in, probably the best in India.
Best fielder in RCB?
AB de Villiers, everybody knows that! [What about himself?] I'm okay. AB de Villers and Virat are the best.
Off the field, which teammate are you closest to?
I'm close to most guys, but Virat would be the closest, I guess.
Favourite sport after cricket?
Tennis.
Most difficult batsman to bowl to at RCB?
Ha! Chris Gayle of course. Thankfully, I'm in his team.
How would you describe Virat Kohli as a captain?
Kohli as captain? Very positive and the future of India.
Is anyone scared to approach Kohli on the field at times?
I don't think anybody is scared. We always talk. At times, I have to speak to him to calm him down because it's very tough captaining a T20 tournament as you don't get enough time [to adjust].
Most hilarious nickname in the RCB dressing room.
Funniest nickname is that of Ashok Dinda - S.D.
You were just watching highlights of your innings. Do you usually do that? Which one?
Sometimes I do.
As to which one... well, last year I played an innings against Delhi (Daredevils), scored 69-70 in 20 odd balls.