MS Dhoni is a friend and will remain forever: Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh won everyone’s hearts when he helped India win the World Cup in 2011. Later, it was brought to knowledge that he was playing with cancer. He fought through the tough time and came back strong. However, since returning from the illness he has lost the zing in his batting. Yuvraj played his last international game in April 2014, in the final of the 2014 T20 World Cup Final against Sri Lanka.

In an interview with TOI, Yuvraj said that he was lucky to have to have played again after such serious illness.

“In 2011, I was on top of that mountain but when I was diagnosed with cancer I was down in a ditch. It will take some time to claw back to the top,” Yuvraj, who was here to play a Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu, said with a smile.

“I was lucky to be in one of best hospitals in the USA and am grateful to my doctors and the almighty for my recovery. It’s a closed chapter now. I would rather get on with life and try and get back to where I once was. I have had some very tough years but I have still managed to keep my body in shape.” said Yuvi.

Yuvi said, “It’s not easy, but I would definitely try to return to the national side if there is an opportunity. If I make the grade again, I should be given a decent period of time to perform. I had missed cricket for about a year and a half and right off the bat people wanted me to perform the same way I used do in the past.”

It’s been a long since he played in the national colours. However, he is looking an opportunity for a comeback in the team.

“It’s not easy but I would definitely try to return to the national side if there is an opportunity. If I make the grade again, I should be given a decent period of time to perform. I had missed cricket for about a year and a half and right off the bat people wanted me to perform the same way I used do in the past.”

Playing for your country is not an easy job. It become tougher as an Indian player as there are billions of enthusiastic eyeballs eagerly following you. Also, Yuvraj has been a match-winner for India in the past and there is nothing wrong for him to ask for an opportunity and time settle down again in the team. He has had a decent Ranji Trophy season with 398 runs in 11 innings at an average of 36.18.

He also rubbished the speculations of any bitterness between him and MS Dhoni. Before the 2015 World Cup, controversy erupted and there was furore on the social media after Yuvraj’s father Yograj Singh stated that Dhoni was responsible for Yuvraj not getting a call-up to the world cup squad.

“I don’t have any control over what my father says. But I have never said Mahi had thrown me out of the team. I want to make it very clear that we are very good friends and I have never had any problems with Mahi. He is a friend and will remain forever.”

Yuvraj also shared his opinion about current India skipper Virat Kohli, when he was asked about the latter’s aggressive approach towards the game. He favored his style of play and said, ”He has been very aggressive all his life and it’s not easy for him change his attitude overnight. People go after him saying he’s too aggressive but yes he is an aggressive young man and wants to do well for his country. Is that wrong? You have to give him a little time. He also knows that his aggression gets the best out of him.”