Former India's star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh suggested he might take on a mentorship role to help mentally equip the Indian cricket team for upcoming challenges. The Indian team has been on a prolonged quest for an ICC trophy, experiencing a setback with their defeat in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia. Their last major ICC triumphs include the Champions Trophy victory in 2013 under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and their World Cup win in 2011.
"I feel that we have played a lot of finals but not won one. I was part of one of the finals when we lost to Pakistan in 2017," Yuvraj said while inaugurating 'Yuvraj Centres of Excellence' at Merlin Rise.
"In the coming years, we definitely need to work on, as a country and as an Indian team, performing better under pressure. Australia have won six World Cups, and we have (won) two. How we win major championships is something we need to work on," added Yuvraj.
India have faced setbacks in recent major cricket tournaments, with two successive defeats in the World Test Championship finals in 2021 and 2023, and semifinal exits in the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups. Since their victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the Indian team has experienced further challenges, including a loss in the 2014 final and semifinal eliminations in the 2016 and 2022 T20 World Cup editions.
"I feel, yes, there is something (missing). When the big moment comes, our physical preparation is there, but mentally we need to make those decisions.
“I think, that is something I was talking about -- motivating the young guys, teaching them how to handle pressure and play their game. That's been our challenge. We have the game, and we have guys who can bat under pressure, but the whole team has to do that, not just one or two guys,” the 42-year-old said.
"Mentoring is something I love to do. In the coming years, when my kids are settled, I want to give back to cricket and help the young guys get better. I think we face a lot of mental challenges in big tournaments. I believe in the mental aspect, I can really come in and work with these guys in the future.
"I feel that I can contribute a lot, especially in the middle order. I have the confidence to work with the young guys, addressing not only their technique but also the mental challenges that come with cricket," he further stated.
The elegant former Indian all-rounder expressed his interest in taking up a mentorship role with an IPL team.
"Let's see what opportunities I get, but my priority is my kids right now. Once they start school, I will have more time. so I can pick up (coaching). I love working with the young guys, especially my state boys, and I feel that mentoring is something that I would love to do, and definitely to be part of one of the IPL teams, I'm definitely looking at. I asked Mr Ashish Nehra (Gujarat Titans) for a job, but he declined it. So, let's see where else I can get a position, but at the moment, I have to balance. So, definitely in the coming years, I want to give back to cricket and help the young guys get better. I can contribute a lot," Yuvraj concluded.
WITH PTI INPUTS
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