During the trophy tour event in Mumbai on Monday, August 11, former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh stressed the importance of self-belief, particularly when things start to go apart, which is inevitable in large competitions. One of the best World Cup veterans has offered insightful counsel on controlling expectations while playing in the fierce Indian environment, with only 50 days left before India kicks off their 50-over Women’s World Cup campaign at home.
When the going gets tough in a global event like World Cups, Yuvraj Singh, who dealt with similar high-pressure situations during the 2011 Men’s World Cup, when India ended a 28-year wait to win the title, thinks his experience could help Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and the entire India Women squad.
“The supporters are always clamouring for wickets, or fours and sixes. The game is that. They came to observe. Their desire is amusement. They’re looking for entertainment. There will be instances in which things will go badly. At that point, experience and self-belief must take precedence. The conviction that I can be the player right now. According to The Indian Express, Yuvraj Singh stated, “I think you have to believe that every time you walk in the game.”
Stay present at all times: Yuvraj Singh
The Chandigarh native recalled that media criticism had begun following India’s defeat by South Africa at the 2011 World Cup in Nagpur. The team resolved to stop reading newspapers and watching TV in order to drown out the outside noise, and Sachin Tendulkar and coach Gary Kirsten came up with a plan to deal with the strain. Interestingly, the only game the Men in Blue lost that year was the one versus Proteas.
“Social media wasn’t that popular back then, right? It is now. Gary stated that it’s acceptable to go sign autographs in crowded areas as long as you wear headphones. Proceed and concentrate on your field. Put your headphones back on when you return to your room. Yuvraj Singh recalls, “Be in that moment, cut the noise, and try and do what you need to do.”
The Women in Blue will play each team in a round-robin fashion, starting on September 30 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru against the Lankan Lionesses.
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