'I did like to be portrayed as a fighter'
Over a 17-year-career, Yuvraj Singh has battled dips in form, made numerous comebacks, and even survived cancer. On the eve of his 300th ODI, he spoke about his learnings from the game
ESPNcricinfo staff
14-Jun-2017
On Thursday, Yuvraj Singh will become the fifth Indian cricketer to play 300 ODIs • Getty Images
On being a role model
"I don't know about [being] the role model, but it's a big achievement for me to finish 300 games in my career," Yuvraj Singh said. "It is huge honour. When I started playing for India I was happy just playing one game for India. That would have been a big achievement for me, but it's come a long way. There have been ups and downs, and I am proud of myself. I have come through and still managed to get to 300. At one stage I was thinking if I was going to play another game."
His three most memorable innings
"Definitely the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals against Australia. My debut game against Australia. Natwest final in 2002."
Advice to younger players
"Never to give up. Keep pushing no matter what obstacles come in your life. That's what I can give to the younger guys: never back down, always keep on working the same way whether you are having a good time or a bad time, be consistent and be persistent. Focus on the process of the game."
What it takes to make so many comebacks
"To play for India is not that difficult, but to sustain it is tough. You need to have the determination to never give up, and believe in yourself. Self-belief is very important because when things are not going well for you, other people have their own opinion. So at that time it's very important to believe in yourself, that you've done it in the past, and now is the time you can do it again."
On surviving cancer
"I did like to be portrayed as a fighter. A lot of people can actually get inspired not to give up in their life. Cancer is something which I always talk [about]. A lot of people think there's stigma with cancer. So I can motivate a lot of people to come out of it, and to come back to where they belong."
What cricket has taught him
"To attain success depends on long-term and short-term goals. Over the years the more experienced you get, the harder you've got to work. The older you get, the harder you've got to work. That's what I've learned from my seniors. That's the reason I was able to sustain for so many years."
How Indian cricket has changed through his career
"There has been a big transformation. The game has evolved. The fitness levels have evolved. The game has become much faster-paced. The guys who are coming into the team are much fitter. They have much more knowledge about eating, about training. And they're learning quickly because you get exposed to the IPL as well, which is a big tournament, playing with international cricketers."
On his cricketing future
"I have been very blessed to come and play for India again. I have a lot of blessings of people. Let's see how long I can [continue]. As long as I'm performing and doing well, I'd like to play. Hopefully, a few more years."