Interview with Yuvraj Singh: "Chris Gayle can hit six sixes in an over"
Every story has a beginning. Before the heroic performance in the Natwest final or the six sixes over Stuart Broad, the fastest T20 fifty and becoming the first World T20 champion or ending India’s 28-year wait for the ICC World Cup with a player of the tournament performance, Yuvraj's story has one as well. And he spoke about that and a whole lot more in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda.
When asked about his first ODI innings as a batsman in the ICC Knockout quarterfinal against Australia under the tutelage of Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj fondly reminisces of his 80-ball 84. And he still remembers the former Indian captain's words of wisdom echoing in his ears, before he went out to bat. "Dada (Ganguly) always backed me", he says with an air of confidence that comes from achieving everything there is to achieve in cricket.
However, he is quick to point out that Ganguly's advice was simple and straightforward. "He just told me to play my natural game and play till the end." And true to the advice he received, the 19-year-old Yuvraj did just that as he scored 84 and stayed till the end to help India post 265/9, which helped them win the game by 20 runs.
Also read: Yuvraj Singh's fastest fifty record: 6 batsmen who could break his record
From then onwards, Yuvraj Singh has provided plenty of moments for Indian fans to cherish and remember forever. Whether it is that match against England in the World T20 where he hit the fastest T20 fifty, a record that still stands to this day or many more memorable matches in both ODIs and T20s, his career is littered with memorable matches and moments.
Yuvraj reveals his most memorable innings
But what does Yuvraj think is his most memorable innings. While the question is fairly straightforward, the answer isn't, as the southpaw picked not one, not two but three innings as his most memorable ones. So what are they? Are there any major surprises in what he has to say?
Most Indian fans will remember each innings by stroke as he recalls, “the Natwest finals (he made 69 in this game against England), 2007 World T20 match vs England (where he hit six sixes) and 2011 World Cup Quarter-final vs Australia (an unbeaten 59 helped India win by five wickets)”, as his most memorable innings.
Speaking of memorable innings, his knock against England where he smashed Stuart Broad for six consecutive sixes in an over, still remains the only time in T20Is where a batsman has hit six sixes in an over. So who does Yuvi think can achieve the feat and join him in an illustrious list?
Although Evin Lewis came close against India in the first T20I in Florida, Yuvraj Singh believes it is another West Indian opener who has the best chance of hitting six sixes in an over. After giving it some thought, "I think Chris Gayle," he says.
What about the best batsman in the world right now? "I think Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, Joe Root and Kane Williamson," he says. "Hard to pick one. All are equally good."
Having given so much to Indian cricket and even recently playing in the 2016 World T20 in India, does he think that he can make a comeback to the Indian side? Or, by virtue of not being selected for the tours of Zimbabwe and for the T20Is against West Indies, does he think his chances are slim? And what is he doing, with regards to his preparation and motivation to get back in the side?
His answer is unsurprisingly all about cricket and not about the Indian team. "Well I’m training regularly to be in shape for the upcoming domestic season. I’m looking to have a good season with both bat and ball," he says.
And for him, the season has already begun as he is the captain of the India Red side which beat India Green in Noida. If his career so far has been anything to go by, it is all about beating odds that no one thought was possible and coming back stronger. His successful comeback from cancer is one of the most heartwarming tales anywhere in sport.
And what does he have to say to English batsman Michael Carberry, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. "I was quite saddened to hear the news," he says before adding "I am sure he will come through this.”
Although he came back and played for India, it is in the Indian Premier League that he still has some doubters. While he has plenty of memorable moments in T20s for India, the same cannot be said about his performances in the IPL, which he won in 2016 for the first time in his career.
Speaking about the difference between Indian Premier League and playing in the longer formats for India, the southpaw admits the major difference is time available and the opportunity to get back.
"In IPL or T20 cricket the margin of error is very little and one mistake can cost you a game," Yuvi says before quickly adding, "However you get more games in IPL to make a comeback even if you are behind on the points table.”
That unfortunately isn't the case in international where he explains your game needs to be more compact because you don't know which ball has your name written on it. "In ODI’s or Test your game needs to be very compact and it is a complete test of your technique," he adds but not before admitting the luxury of having more overs to get in and settle down certainly helps.
Indians fans will be hoping that Yuvraj's story hasn't reached its climax just yet. While he might be 34, the fact that he can still win games for India with the bat remains undisputable. And having made one memorable comeback already, Indian supporters will be hoping that he will be back for another innings after his maiden IPL title and help India to further glory.