Yuvraj is practical and hopeful

Yuvraj Singh is well into his 34th year and the discerning would not probably give him a chance of returning to the big stage of international cricket. The Punjab captain, though, would consider himself an eternal optimist and the cricket fan would wish to see him back for a swansong.

“Personally looking at the season, I just want to play and enjoy my cricket. If I get an opportunity to come back and play for India, I would look forward to that.

“These are the games (Ranji Trophy) which will give me opportunities to come back, so I am trying my best. I had six weeks of good off season training and practice and so hopefully it comes through in the games,’’ said Yuvraj, who is captaining Punjab in the Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai beginning here on Thursday.

When asked if he’s eyeing a slot in the team for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup to be played next year, Yuvraj was practical in his standpoint.”A World Cup is a World Cup, whether it’s Twenty20 or 50 overs. It’s always an honour to play another World Cup. I am not thinking so far ahead; I am just thinking (about it) game by game, how it’s going, and how I can improve. So that’s what my target is.’’

Responding to the oft-repeated of question of how he manages to stay motivated, he said “I don’t know, it’s you people and the country. It’s just the passion to play the game. I was talking to Sachin (Tendulkar) last year and he said that the most important thing is to play for India, but don’t forget to enjoy the game and that as young kids we always played the game to enjoy it and we never knew that we were going to play for India. So I think I enjoy playing cricket and it was always my passion as a young kid; so as long as I am enjoying it I want to play,’’ said Yuvraj.

“You have your moments in life where games are disappointing and things don’t go your way; but as I said, why do you play cricket for ? To enjoy the game and so long as I am doing that, whether it’s domestic or internationals, and obviously playing internationals is the main part, so I am always looking forward to do that and win for the team.’’

Yuvraj is delighted that Tendulkar is getting associated with the Cricket All Stars series for retired cricketers. “It’s great. Sachin is taking cricket to other parts of the world. I am sure there are a lot of people from Asia who play over there (USA). It’s an opportunity for them to play and meet Sachin; so, I think it’s a great thing for cricket.’’