Yuvraj Singh: Winning the World Cup was the best moment of my life

Yuvraj Singh, who was in rip-roaring form during the ICC World Cup 2011 said that he tried his level best to focus on his game despite suffering from health issues. Yuvraj was diagnosed with cancer after the completion of the World Cup.

The swashbuckling left-handed batsman also spoke about the fact that he was desperate to help India to win the World Cup in the Salaam Cricket summit organised by news channel, Aaj Tak.

Yuvraj, battled with health issues during the World Cup 2011. However, he showed self-belief and immense mental strength to script some memorable performances during the tournament. "Playing for India is always a pressure. When I saw myself coughing blood, I knew something was wrong, but chose to remain calm and focus on my game, as at that time, playing for India was more important."

Yuvraj continued by saying, "When you are an athlete, you think that you are eating and drinking good, and believe that nothing can go wrong with you. Now, that is a wrong attitude to have."

Yuvraj also had to battle with numerous injuries before the World Cup started. He said, "Before the World Cup, I had a lot of injuries. There were health issues, but I didn't think that it could be so bad. In my first match, I scored runs and that gave me the momentum to play well.

"I was playing my third World Cup for India, and playing for India was a reason enough to focus on my game and job. I was batting at No.4 in the game played at Chennai and wanted to score a 100. Even during those crucial times, your mind doesn't give up like the body."

As a microcosm of life, every sportsman is bound to go through his fair share of ups and downs. Yuvraj shared with everyone the pain and agony he had to suffer during the course of the tournament.

"During 2011 World Cup, I was having neck issues and I struggled to sleep. I just told my physiotherapist that I won't care about what would happen to me, but I just want India to win the World Cup."

Yuvraj concluded by saying that he doesn't regret the fact he played throughout the tournament despite suffering from health problems. "I have no regrets. I am glad that I went through it and lucky that I survived. Yes, I missed out on some important years of active cricket. Now, here was the moment when we were in the Quarter-finals, and I didn't want to miss out on action.

"The biopsy and chemotherapy was very tough, but then with the support of family and friends, I somehow overcame it. Winning the World Cup was the best moment of my life and I will cherish it forever."