Yuvraj Singh backs Indian cricket team to retain the World Cup
Former Indian cricket team all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has backed the current Indian team to retain the Cricket World Cup title and urged the side to save their best cricket for the knockout stages. The 2011 Player of the tournament feels that the Men in Blue can retain the title this year, even though they are not as experienced as the team that won the last World cup. The defending World Champions have already cemented their place in the Quarterfinals and are most likely to meet the rejuvenated Bangladesh from Group A.
“India has a very good chance. They have started very well and they need to sustain the momentum. But Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are also the firm favourites,” said Yuvraj, who is set to play for the MCC in the Emirates T20 tournament in Dubai on March 20.
“I think the 2011 side was more experienced than this one. We had likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh. This side is young but they have it in them to cross the finish line.” he said.
Kohli is a special player: Yuvraj
Showering praises on Virat Kohli, Yuvraj said that he is a special player and a consistent performer of the bat and urged the team not to lose focus, as the performances in the knockout stages are that only matter now.
“Virat is a special player and it’s hard to find anyone as consistent as him. Scoring 22 hundreds by the age of 26 is a phenomenal achievement. He is the ultimate run-machine and can handle pressure so well,” Yuvraj added.
“Play positive and reserve your best for the knockout stages. Everyone knows that three good days can win you the World Cup,” he said.
Yuvraj Singh Center of Excellence
Yuvraj is set to play for MCC alongside England captain Alastair Cook in the Emirates T20 tournament in Dubai, he said,
“I am really looking forward to do my best in this tournament. For so many years MCC has been the custodian of the game. They do their best to promote the game at every level. As a cricketer, I want join hands with them.”
“I have started an initiative called the Yuvraj Singh Center of Excellence which works at the grass root level. At some stage I would like to work with MCC for these kids from rural parts of India.”