Former India cricketer and 2011 World Cup Player of the Tournament Yuvraj Singh’s bid to return to domestic cricket was rejected by the BCCI recently.
Yuvraj, who called time on his career in 2019, and played for various T20 leagues outside India, was looking to come back and play for Punjab in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy. However, the BCCI rejected his application for the same.
But his father and former cricketer Yograj Singh feels that Yuvraj can still give it back to Indian cricket without making a comeback.
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In an exclusive interview with Asianet Newsable, Yograj said, “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."
Yograj Singh also talked about the future for Yuvraj and what steps he could take now.
"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?" he said.
“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. 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,” Yograj added.
Yograj also said that Yuvraj enjoyed mentoring the young cricketers in the Punjab domestic team.
"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 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,” Yograj said.
He also pointed out that he himself produced more than 150 FC cricketers for Punjab during his 42 years of coaching.
"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," Yograj signed off.
(Asianetnews inputs)
