India's legendary all-rounder and 2011 World Cup champion Yuvraj Singh laid out a plan for Team India to get their hands on the coveted T20 World Cup 2024 trophy. India are yet to win an ICC trophy since 2013. They came close to lifting 2023 ODI World Cup title but went down to Australia in the final. Yuvraj, who officially launched the Yuvraj Singh Centres of Excellence & Merlin Group's High-performance Centre at Merlin Rise, the Sports Republic in Rajarhat, Kolkata to nurture cricket talent, outlined a strategy for India to excel in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to start from June 2.
During an interview with India Today and Aaj Tak at the event Yuvraj spoke his heart out and put out a plan for Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue to finally end their ICC trophy jinx in 2024.
Question: Having been yourself part of champion teams, including U19 and senior World Cups. What seems to be the issue with India's performance in ICC tournaments, particularly in semifinals and finals?
"We have won but also lost in 2017 (Champions Trophy). I was also a part of the team. In skill, talent and hardwork we are not behind. We are much ahead and that is why we have played in finals be it World Test Championship or World Cups. We are just one step behind. For me, mental attitude to winning games is lacking.
“Our seasoned players, Virat (Kohli) and Rohit (Sharma), perform well, but it's crucial for the entire team to step up. Victory is possible only if all 11 players are united in their resolve to win. The defeat against Australia was particularly disappointing for me, as I was confident of our victory. It's important for the younger generation to train diligently for such significant events,” he added.
Question: Would you include Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in your T20 World Cup team?
“I don't make those decisions. Rohit and Virat are undoubtedly great players. However, in T20s, the young players are showing exceptional performance. Being fearless is key. We had that fearlessness when we won the first T20 World Cup, and it's especially crucial in T20 Internationals. It's necessary to make critical decisions, so experience counts. A balanced team with both youth and experience is ideal. The choice of a capable captain is also vital. Whether Hardik or Rohit leads, that's not for me to decide. Rohit has shown excellent captaincy in the IPL, but ultimately, it's up to the selectors.”
Question: And the young players?
“Many youngsters are doing well, starting with Shubman (Gill), Ruturaj (Gaikwad) and many more.”
Question: Your thoughts on Sourav Ganguly as an administrator, given your close relationship and admiration for him?
“Sourav Ganguly has done very well as a captain. He is one of the most successful captains as well. He has thought good for the team being as administrator, like when he was the captain of the team. But there is a huge difference in being a cricketer and an administrator.”
Question: What should be India's approach to the T20 World Cup preparation?
“For experienced cricketers, it won't matter as to how many matches they are playing, because they have the required experience to succeed at the highest level. It is important that young players get chances in the T20 format. And the IPL is a very good stage for them to prepare for the World Cup.”
Question: What are your plans for the future, Yuvraj Singh?
“Mentoring is something I'm passionate about, as I've already experienced it with my state team players. I've seen players like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Anmolpreet Singh, and Prabhsimran Singh perform well under guidance. I'm confident in my ability as a mentor. Currently, my children are young, but once they start school, I plan to begin full-time coaching.”
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