He has scripted many an escape for India on the field and in real life too, he is an example of triumph of dogged determination; a victory over cynicism; a tale of grime, guts and glory. Yuvraj Singh is a hero not only on the field but on personal front as well.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 ‘Player Of The Tournament’ is finally back home after three months of treatment of rare germ—cell cancer in the US and is raring to take the cricket arena by storm. But the champion is not sure as to when would his fan, country and the world could possibly see him back in action again. The ultimate fighter of Indian cricket, who has remained upbeat about sporting the Indian crest again, is taking things easy as of now, but the athlete within him is sure that Yuvraj Singh the cricketer will be back on the field to enthral the fans sooner or later.

Health is priority, not cricket, as of now

“All fan fans want me to come back soon. I want to start playing again but as of now all I want is to focus on my health. My body needs to recuperate and to deal with pressure. I cannot say when I would come back but I am sure that I will come back to cricket. Hopefully in a couple of months I will be in the correct frame both physically and mentally. At the moment it is very important that I look after my health, eat the best diet and have the best surroundings. The focus will be on my health and what the priorities are with regards to my health, rather than being emotional,” said Yuvraj after coming back from US.

Optimistic Yuvi

Even though Yuvraj said that health is his priority at the moment, but coming back to cricket is always on his mind. “I was in a denial initially. I concealed my ill-health for a long time. I had breathing problems during World Cup. I gave myself pep talk. I battled breathing problems. I was cheerful even after cancer was detected, I have been through a very tough phase of my life and I am not rushing with things. I would come back to cricket and would be on the cricket field only when I am fully fit and even if it takes me an extra couple of months. But whatever it is, I am sure that I would return,” said Yuvraj.

Tough time

Yuvraj who was completely cured of his rare germ cell said it was very hard to believe that he had this illness as he is an athlete and play throughout the day. “It was a very difficult time for me to accept that I had the illness. It was a very emotional six months for me to diagnose whether it was cancer or not. I had to come out of it somehow. The illness left my body but still have the scars left,” added Yuvraj. He also said that he avoided seeing cricket as that would frustrate him.

Mother, the biggest strength of his life

“My mom was my biggest strength. She did cry when she heard about my cancer, but I suppose that is how mothers are. But in America, my mother never shed a tear and was stronger than I was. I sometimes cried out of pain but she was as strong as she could get. Even if I coughed late in the night, she would run and come to me. Hats off to her! Without her, I do not think I could have made it through so well,” said 2011 World Cup player of the tournament.

Lance Armstrong: His Inspiration

“It's not about the bike: My Journey Back to Life,” book written by Lance Armstrong was the biggest motivation to Yuvi during his treatment. “I read his book five-six years ago and left it unfinished. I never knew that I would have to come back and finish it this way. He has been a real life hero,” said Yuvraj.

Sachin a cherished friend

Yuvraj said that he was touched when batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar paid him a surprise visit in London, where he was resting after undergoing treatment for a rare germ cell cancer in the US. “It was great to see him in London. I didn't want this to come out but media would have known. I was delighted to see him. He has been a legend in Indian cricket, a great guy. It was great motivation for me. It was a great that he came all the way to see me,” said Yuvraj, adding that over a period of time he has developed a ‘cherished friendship’with Tendulkar and missed being a part of the legend's 100th international century.

“I wanted to be part of the team when Sachin got his 200 in ODIs and when he got his 100th hundred but unfortunately I was not there. I was there in thoughts and congratulated him. It’s a very big achievement. It’s just amazing that he has played for so many years,” he said.

Virat is a special kid

Yuvraj was also all praise for young Virat Kohli. “He is a very special kid, very talented. I have learnt from him. His focus and work ethic is immense. I feel why I did not have a work ethic like him. In his age, you can be vulnerable but he is very focussed. He is doing phenomenally well, I am really happy for him,” he said.

By samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News