Former Indian cricketer and 2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh has returned to Chandigarh, relishing golf and spending time with young cricketers from Punjab like Shubman Gill, Anmolpreet Singh and Abhishek Sharma at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) ground. Apparently, the PCA secretary Puneet Bali approached Yuvraj to mentor the young cricketers at Punjab’s 21-day off-season camp.
“I am enjoying this role a lot. I too had wonderful mentors when I began. Also, I appreciate the way PCA has pledged to raise the standards and provide the players with the best of facilities,” said Yuvraj, who was present at the camp.
“Cricket and skating are two sports I have loved and played. Now that I have time at hand, I am learning golf too. And it is such an addictive sport. I am having a big swing at the golf range these days.” he added.
Retired last year, Yuvraj has played in Global T20 Canada and the T10 League in UAE but has no plans as of now. “I want to play in the international leagues; however, I don’t know when these leagues will resume, considering the pandemic,” said Yuvraj.
Yuvraj praised Gill and also said that the 20-year-old has a flourishing future ahead in the Indian cricket team. Gill has often been criticised for his on-field behaviour, especially last season when he was fined for showing dissent against an umpire during a Ranji Trophy game against Delhi.
“I was there on the ground during the match. He never abused anyone,” said Yuvraj. “He just questioned the decision. Sometimes batsmen do that. Look, he is young and hungry to do well. When I started playing, I too experienced such incidents. And if a player makes a mistake, he will rectify it. He is a special talent.” he added.
PCA is not only considering to upgrade facilities and an international academy at the Mohali stadium but even offering annual contracts to its top cricketers. “This overhauling is required. An academy on the lines of the National Cricket Academy can be a great boon. With such a setup, Punjab cricket can improve and aim to win the Ranji Trophy in maybe two or three years,” Yuvraj signed off.
