Sourav Ganguly always backed me: Yuvraj Singh

Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh credited former skipper Sourav Ganguly for backing him throughout the initial stages of his career. Yuvraj went on to be a part of Indian cricket in a lot of iconic moments, which includes his performance in the Natwest final, six sixes in the World T20 2007, being player of the tournament in the ICC World Cup 2011.

“Dada (Ganguly) always backed me”, said Yuvraj, who was speaking in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda. Adding to the words from the former skipper, he said, “He just told me to play my natural game and play till the end.”

Memorable innings:

When asked about the most memorable innings of his career, he picked three – “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).”

Speaking about the moment when he hit six sixes of Stuart Broad in the 2007 World T20, that helped India post a huge total of 218. When asked about anyone else he thinks could join him in achieving the feat he said, “I think Chris Gayle,”

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Yuvi also said that he thinks Virat, AB, Root and Williamson are the 4 best batsmen in the world at the moment. “I think Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, Joe Root and Kane Williamson,” he said. “Hard to pick one. All are equally good.”

The 34-year old said that he is looking forward to stitching together some good performances with both the ball and bat in the upcoming domestic season. “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,”

English cricketer Michael Carberry was also recently diagnosed with cancer. Yuvi said, “I as quite saddened to hear the news,” he says before adding “I am sure he will come through this.”

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Comparison of IPL and Test format:

What does he think is the difference between playing in the IPL and playing in the Test format? He said that it is a matter of 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 said before quickly adding, “However you get more games in IPL to make a comeback even if you are behind on the points table.”

“In ODI’s or Test your game needs to be very compact and it is a complete test of your technique,” he adds and went on to admit that the luxury of having more overs is surely an advantage.