He has scripted many an escape for India on the field, and in real life too he is an example of the triumph of dogged determination, a victory over cynicism and a tale of grit, guts and glory. Yuvraj Singh is a hero on the field and off it.
The player of the tournament at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup is finally back home after three months of treatment in the US for a rare germ cell cancer, and he is raring to take the cricket arena by storm. But the champion is not sure when his fans, his country and the world will see him back in action. The ultimate fighter of Indian cricket, who has remained upbeat about wearing the India crest again, is taking things easy for now, but the athlete within him is sure that Yuvraj Singh the cricketer will be back on the field to thrill the fans sooner or later.
Health, not cricket, is the priority for now
“All the fans want me to come back soon. I want to start playing again, but for 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 will come back, but I am sure that I will come back to cricket. Hopefully in a couple of months I will be in the right frame of mind, 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 regard to my health, rather than being emotional,” said Yuvraj after returning from the US.
Optimistic Yuvi
Although Yuvraj said that his health is the priority at the moment, coming back to cricket is always on his mind. “I was in denial initially. I concealed my ill health for a long time. I had breathing problems during the World Cup. I gave myself pep talks. I battled the breathing problems. I was cheerful even after the cancer was detected. I have been through a very tough phase of my life and I am not rushing things. I will come back to cricket, and I will be on the field only when I am fully fit, even if it takes me an extra couple of months. But whatever happens, I am sure that I will return,” said Yuvraj.
A tough time
Yuvraj, who has been cured of the rare germ cell cancer, said it was very hard to believe he had the illness, as he is an athlete who plays 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 while they diagnosed whether it was cancer or not. I had to come out of it somehow. The illness has left my body, but the scars are still there,” added Yuvraj. He also said that he avoided watching cricket, as it would have frustrated him.
Mother, the biggest strength of his life
“My mum 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 be. Even if I coughed late at night, she would come running to me. Hats off to her! Without her, I do not think I could have come through it so well,” said the 2011 World Cup player of the tournament.
Lance Armstrong, his inspiration
Lance Armstrong’s book It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life was Yuvi’s biggest motivation during his treatment. “I read his book five or 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 he was touched when batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar paid him a surprise visit in London, where he was resting after undergoing treatment for the rare germ cell cancer in the US. “It was great to see him in London. I didn’t want this to come out, but the media would have known. I was delighted to see him. He has been a legend of Indian cricket, a great guy. It was great motivation for me. It was great that he came all the way to see me,” said Yuvraj, adding that over time he has developed a ‘cherished friendship’ with Tendulkar and that he missed being 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 my 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 full of praise for young Virat Kohli. “He is a very special kid, very talented. I have learnt from him. His focus and work ethic are immense. I wonder why I did not have a work ethic like his. At his age you can be vulnerable, but he is very focused. He is doing phenomenally well, and I am really happy for him,” he said.
By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News
