I am playing well and would continue for a few more years says Yuvraj Singh

Veteran Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh is set to make his 300th ODI appearance in the blue jersey when India meet the Asian side Bangladesh in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy. The southpaw has been the mainstay during the majority of India’s memorable moments, be it the World T20 2007 victory in South Africa or the  World Cup 2011 victory.

The left-handed all-rounder made his debut against the African side Kenya in the preliminary quarter-final of the ICC Knockout, where he bowled four overs, with figures of 0/16.

“Sir zindagi bach gayi humari, who sabse badi baat hain (I am alive and that is the biggest thing for me),” Yuvraj Singh smirked when asked if he has any regrets on the eve of his landmark 300th ODI appearance to the Times of India.

He was confident that India could brush aside the threat posed by the Bangladeshi side, who have qualified ahead of the likes of Australia and New Zealand.

“I don’t want to talk about my regrets when I am in a good zone. I am playing well and would continue for a few more years. As long as I am performing, I would like to play,” Yuvi said, making it clear that the 2019 World Cup is still in his mind.

17-year journey

The left-hander made sure that playing in the Indian colours for 17 years, demands determination and hard work from any player at the highest level.

“It’s not difficult to play for India but sustaining is tough. You need to have determination and self-belief is important. When things are not going well, people will have a lot of opinions and you need to believe in yourself it’s a matter of time you can do it again,” added the all-rounder.

300 ODI’s for India

He isn’t sure if he is a role model or not but playing 300 ODIs for the national team is certainly an achievement in his eyes. “I don’t know whether I am a role model but it’s been a big achievement for me to get to 300 games. It’s a huge honour. When I started playing, I was happy playing just one game for India. That would have been a big achievement for me but here I am now.

“I have seen ups and downs. I am proud of myself that I have come through and still managed to get through to 300 games. At one stage, I was thinking whether or not I will play again, but here I am,” he said.

The all-rounder further added that it requires a ‘never giving up’ attitude for any player to succeed at the International level for a sustained time.

“I think my biggest quality has been never to give up, pushing no matter what obstacles came in my life. I always advise younger guys never to back down and always keep on working with same intensity, irrespective of whether you are having a good time or bad time,” Yuvi said.

Yuvraj had some tips and advice for the youngsters, telling them to be persistent, consistent and focus on the process of the game instead of focusing on the end product. India and Virat Kohli would be hoping a good match from the southpaw who will make his 300th appearance for the country in the blue jersey.