There is something about Rajkot that
brings the best out of Yuvraj Singh, especially in trying times.
Back in Nov 2008, in what was yet
another comeback series against England, he had answered critics with an
unbeaten 138 from 78 balls, with 16 fours and six sixes. He had followed that
up with another 100 in the next ODI in Indore.
Eight months ago, Yuvi’s career was
at the crossroads again following his battle with cancer. He returned only to
discover that form had deserted him. So Yuvi went back to the drawing board and
is now fitter, stronger, hungry for more.
On Thursday, he scored 77 not out
from 35 balls, with eight fours and five sixes against Australia in the lone
T20 tie as India chased down Australia’s 201/7 with two balls to spare.
Yuvraj was the architect of the win
and should have been elated after the knock. But the day wasn’t about him: he
seemed sad that friend, philosopher and guide Sachin Tendulkar had
chosen to retire.
Asked whether he was happy with his
performance, Yuvraj said: “I don’t know whether I am happy or sad. Really happy
because of the way I hit the ball. But sad as Sachin is retiring.”
Yuvraj tried his best to control his
emotions but the words choked in his throat. “I’m going to catch his feet and I
don’t think I’m going to let him go. It has been amazing playing with
him all these years. He is the greatest player to play the game. Not just cricket,
the person that he is…what an ambassador of the game. It is going to be a very
emotional time for the whole of India. I actually don’t know what to say. There
are so many things about Sachin to say.”
After a pause, Yuvraj continued: “He
is a very down-to-earth person. He never showed that he is the great Sachin
Tendulkar. He is always chirpy with the youngsters, even though you are a
little reluctant to go up to him. Personally he has always guided me on and off
the field in many things, especially our World Cup journey which has been very
special for me. I can’t actually express in words but…you know…(chokes)…it is
actually very tough for me to see him go.”
Asked about the qualities that made
Sachin special, Yuvraj said: “It’s not just one thing. Technically he is the
best batsman I’ve seen. He has also been smart all these years to know what
bowlers are going to bowl to him. He has always been one or two steps ahead and
that’s why he has been consistent for so many years. To have such consistency
for so many years is really tough for any batsman. It is something amazing. It
is next to impossible to replace Sachin.
“The least I can do today is to
dedicate this knock to him…I will tell him so on the phone. I hope I get the
opportunity to play with him when he plays his last Test. If I don’t, I’ll
definitely come to watch him play.”
Asked whether Tendulkar had retired
at the right time, Yuvraj said, “I would definitely want him to play for 10
more years but it is his decision and we need to respect that. As I have said
before, it will be a very emotional moment for the whole of India when he plays
his last match.”
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