"I want to give back to cricket"- Yuvraj Singh hints at mentoring role with Indian team to overcome mental barrier in ICC events
Former Indian all-rounder and World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh expressed his desire to work with young cricketers in the near future as a mentor. He will look to help them develop mental strength for big matches and performances under pressure.
The Men in Blue faltered in the final of the 2023 World Cup, losing against Australia. It has once again raised the question of whether the Indian players aren't mentally prepared for such big games.
Here's what Yuvraj Singh was quoted as saying by PTI about how he can contribute to the young generation:
"Mentoring is something I love to do. In the coming years, when my kids are settled, I want to give back to cricket and help the young guys get better. I think we face a lot of mental challenges in big tournaments. I believe in the mental aspect, I can really come in and work with these guys in the future."
He added:
"I feel that I can contribute a lot, especially in the middle order. I have the confidence to work with the young guys, addressing not only their technique but also the mental challenges that come with cricket."
Whole Indian batting line-up needs to perform under pressure: Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh feels that India does have some players who thrive under pressure. However, he reckons the effort should be a collective one from the team, and only then will they overcome the final hurdle.
On this, he said:
"When the big moment comes, our physical preparation is there, but mentally we need to make those decisions. I think that is something I was talking about -- motivating the young guys, teaching them how to handle pressure and play their game. That's been our challenge.
"We have the game, and we have guys who can bat under pressure, but the whole team has to do that, not just one or two guys."
Yuvraj certainly knew how to perform under pressure, having won the Player of the Tournament in the 2011 World Cup.