'If India plays to their strengths, they'll go all the way'

'It's been a long time that India won an ICC trophy. Hopefully, the boys will do the job.'

The flamboyant Yuvraj Singh reckons India could break their ICC trophy drought if they play to their strengths rather than "thinking of where the opposition is going to harm us" in the T20 World Cup, as there is no dearth of skills and self-belief in the squad.

India last won a major global tournament when Mahendra Singh Dhoni led the team to title triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, two years after Yuvraj played a starring role in the ODI World Cup triumph at home.

India were also the winners of the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in which Yuvraj hit six sixes in a Stuart Broad over during a league match against England.

Asked about the absence of silverware in more than a decade, Yuvraj said, "I just feel that we played the World Cup 2007 final and we've been the qualifying semis and I think it's just a matter of time.

"I believe we have the self-belief of winning big tournaments. I think if India believes and backs themselves and play to their own strengths, I'm sure they'll go all the way. And that's what I believe in."

An ICC Ambassador for the T20 World Cup, Yuvraj was present at the opening of Fan Park at the Oculus Trade Centre in New York.

The former all-rounder added, "I think that's the reason why we won. We focused on where, how we are good and the things that we need to do rather than thinking of where the opposition is going to harm us. We have the match winners.

"You know, IPL has been a great platform to get ready for the ICC Men's World Cup and I hope it's a better tournament.

"For us, it will be a great moment if India win. It's been a long time that India won an ICC trophy. Hopefully, the boys will do the job."

The USA and the West Indies are jointly hosting the T20 showpiece.

Yuvraj, who had a hand in moulding people like Abhishek Sharma into an explosive batter, said he is not up for full-time coaching job at the moment.

"I would love to do that but with my state players, it gives me time. I can do according to my time. My kids are young. When they get a bit older, I would like to get into a bit more coaching and mentoring. I'm just taking my time."

Speaking about the favourites to make the final, he said, "I'm hoping India, probably West Indies. Pakistan 3, and no Australians (laughs)."

And one player to he's looking forward to watch?

"I would say Rishabh Pant. I am looking forward to the return of Rishabh, he is coming back from a massive injury.

"And leading run-getter seems like Virat Kohli; he's had a very good IPL."

Yuvraj is also certain that his record of six sixes in an over will not be matched in this World Cup.

"I think it's very much possible, but I don't think it's happening in this tournament."

uvraj said he is amazed at the Americans' penchant for packaging their sports and for cricket to make strides in the USA, he says the "locals" will have to "play the game and explore it".

The USA and the West Indies are jointly hosting the ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup with matches being scheduled in New York, Dallas and Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

"To all the (Indian American) fans who come here for cricket, who I know want India to win, but I think you should encourage your American friends and all the people around the world to come and watch every game and encourage the sport of cricket in America," Yuvraj said.

"I'm sure this is a place where all the best sports in the world are played. America is a place where all sports are popular.

"In our country, I know cricket is very popular amongst other sports, but I think it will be amazing to watch cricket grow in America because I feel the way the Americans package sports, I don't see as much happening around the world," he added.

A member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), USA is hosting a cricket tournament of this magnitude for the first time, and it has generated some interest in this part of the world that is obsessed with baseball, the NBA and American football (NFL).

"Definitely, the interest is growing in America. The major league (cricket) has come and done really well, cricket is really growing. I think the way Americans package sports is amazing, and if they can package cricket like that, like their sports, it will be great to watch.

"But, along the way, the locals will have to play the game and explore it. It's going to take time. But, as I said, Americans, the way they package sports, is amazing, and if they can do it with cricket, it will be good to watch," Yuvraj said.

The marquee India-Pakistan match is scheduled for June 9 in New York and Yuvraj, a veteran of many epic battles between the neighbours, is looking forward to the game as it will be the first time he will be watching it from the venue.

"Well, it's a game of emotion. If we win, we'll go crazy. If we lose, we'll go crazy. But the thing is, if we win, they will go crazy with us. If we lose, they will go crazy with us. That's the difference.

"But I think, whether it's India, Pakistan, or any other game, I'm sure the guys are going 100%. It's just that I always feel that the team who control their emotion on that day better and focus on the match situation, they will win the game.

"In the last couple of years, we've had a better record than Pakistan. And hopefully, we can continue that."

The stylish left-handed batter added, "I think I would not be that nervous going into India-Pakistan game watching it. I've watched on TV, but never been to the ground watching an India-Pakistan match. This will be first time."

Yuvraj is delighted to see Americans hosting a top global cricket tournament and also playing in it for the first time. The USA started their campaign with a convincing seven-wicket victory over rivals Canada in Dallas.

"All the best to you and the American team, but India is far ahead in cricket right now. Part of you, which is also Indian, so I know inside you want India to win as well.

"But to say a few words about this iconic place, we all know the history over here and we all know what happened and people's lives do matter.

"And to the World Cup teams, I wish them all the best and may the best team win, and I hope you guys really enjoy the tournament and cheer all teams. I know you want to back India, but if India is not playing, cheer other teams as well," Yuvraj said.

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