Exclusive: Yuvraj Singh can still give a lot to Indian cricket without playing, feels father Yograj
Yuvraj Singh announced his retirement from cricket in 2019. He has since played some overseas leagues, while he has been contemplating a comeback, to play for Punjab. As he has reportedly been denied a comeback, father Yograj feels he does not really have to play.
FollowFormer Indian swashbuckling batsman, Yuvraj Singh's bid to come back to India cricket might have hit a roadblock. He has reportedly been denied coming out of retirement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Yuvraj was looking to represent Punjab in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, slated to get underway from January 10. However, now that he has been denied the same, father Yograj Singh feels that it's BCCI's choice whether to allow Yuvi to make a comeback, while the latter can still give it back to Indian cricket without making a comeback.
In an exclusive interview with Asianet Newsable, Yograj spoke on the same. Here are the excerpts:
Why has Yuvi been denied a comeback?
"I'm not sure of the exact reason, as I'm yet to speak with Yuvi on the same. But, it's entirely the choice of the BCCI. However, I feel that ample time should be given to the retired players to make a comeback and play with the young boys, who have a lot to learn from them."
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What's next for Yuvi (push or comeback, play overseas or continue mentoring)?
"I think it was really important for him to play the game with the boys, at least that's what I felt, along with Puneet Bali. Before the IPL, we once had a camp and asked him to play with the boys. Yuvi said that he was too old now. But, I insisted that he should play with them. He played four-five innings and looked in fine touch, while the boys were shocked and wondered that how could he play at such a level even today?"
"Meanwhile, besides playing, giving back to the boys and Indian cricket is very important. If he can produce four-five players for the country in the coming years, it would be great. I will be very, very happy. He continues to practice even today."
"Nonetheless, it is a good thing that he would continue to mentor the young budding cricketers of Punjab. It is the best thing that he can do to give it back to the boys and Punjab and Indian cricket. He also plays golf and continues to work on his fitness. Rest is his decision and it's up to the BCCI to take a call on his comeback."
Is he enjoying mentoring Punjab boys?
"The time when he retired, I was about to tell him that he could still play for two-three years, at least at the domestic level. But, I did not push him, since he has gone through so much in his life, ups and downs."
"I have been coaching the Punjab boys for the past 42 years, and it has been the best thing for me, as I have produced more than 150 First-Class players for the state. Cricketers like Yuvi and a few more could make it to the highest grade in Indian cricket."
"I think it's all about how you feel. I believe it is very important to give back. If you are doing so, I think that is the greatest thing you are doing, rather than playing cricket."
"I feel proud that any player, who has done great things in life and sports and thinks about giving it back to the boys. The Punjab boys are doing well. As long as Yuvi is giving back to cricket, which has given him so much, that's the best thing in life."
