NEW DELHI: Former Indian all-rounder
Yuvraj Singh
expressed confidence in India's ability to win the upcoming
T20 World Cup
, emphasizing the need for the team to focus on its strengths rather than dwelling on opponents' potential threats.
India's last major ICC tournament victory came in 2013 at the Champions Trophy. Yuvraj, who played an instrumental role in India's 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, believes the current squad possesses the talent and self-belief to replicate past successes.
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'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, said Yuvraj.
"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," added the former Indian international.
Yuvraj, serving as an ICC Ambassador for the tournament, acknowledged the significance of the Indian Premier League (
IPL) as a preparatory platform for the World Cup.
"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," the winner of Player of the 2011 ICC World Cup continued.
Furthermore, he expressed hope for an improved performance from the Indian team, saying, "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."
While he currently focuses on mentoring players in his home state, Yuvraj expressed a future interest in pursuing a full-time coaching role. He identified India and West Indies as potential finalists, playfully dismissing Australia's chances.
'm hoping India, probably West Indies. Pakistan 3, and no Australians (laughs)," quipped Yuvraj.
The lefty then displayed particular interest in
Rishabh Pant
's return from injury and predicted
Virat Kohli
to be the tournament's leading run-scorer based on his strong IPL form.
"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. I think it's very much possible, but I don't think it's happening in this tournament," opined the man who holds the record of six sixes in a T20 World Cup over.
(Inputs from PTI)
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