The Indian team received a standing ovation at their arrival at the International airport in Mumbai on Wednesday. India team vice-captain, Yuvraj Singh, shares memories from the Twenty20 tournament that has sent the countrymen in seventh heaven
The Indian team received a standing ovation at their arrival at the International airport in Mumbai on Wednesday. India team vice-captain, Yuvraj Singh, shares memories from the Twenty20 tournament that has sent the countrymen in seventh heaven
What would you say about the reception you got today?
It was unbelievable. I don’t know when a day like this will come again. It was raining and we were sceptic if people will turn up. But it was a grand welcome at the airport.
Did you realise after winning the Cup that you will be subject to this kind of reaction in India?
Of course. The World Cup is a big thing in any format of the game. It’s a huge achievement and the whole of India is proud. So I could guess the appreciation back home.
Moments after you won the World Cup, you said it still hadn’t sunk in. Has it now, that you are the world champions?
It’s tough to believe as Misbah-ul-Haq had hit a six off Joginder the last over and they needed some five runs from three balls. One shot would have meant that we lost it. The moment the ball went up in the air my heart was in my mouth. Even after Sreesanth took the catch, I was standing still. I didn’t know how to react. It was simply a great feeling. I didn’t want to leave the ground that night.
It also must be special for the youngsters. No one thought that this team would reach the final and actually win the World Cup.
Yes, nobody had expectations from us as we haven’t played much Twenty20 cricket. The top three batsmen were also not there. But the team played as a unit. There was a renewed zeal in the team in all departments of the game.
Critics said the youngsters played well because they didn’t have the pressure of the big three in the dressing room.
We were just playing our game. We knew we had nothing to lose. We were never a big side in the T20 format.
How would you describe the last 15 days?
It’s a great moment for me. There are so many players in the team who have played for years but still don’t have a World Cup medal. It’s the most precious moment of my life. Everybody will remember that we won the cup.
What about the big sixes? Do you think the format of the tournament gives you the license to play those big shots?
Of course. If in a 50-over game, I would go in the 47th over, I will still do the same with three overs to go. Obviously, we had three overs and nothing to lose, and had six wickets in hand. So, I just went there and played my shots.
How special were those six sixes?
I had an argument with Flintoff which pumped me up. And I wanted to hit every ball out of the ground then. I was feeling really aggressive, and it actually happened. After the fourth six, I thought that I might be able to hit the next two as well.
Now you have a greater challenge. People will harbour more faith on the team. What do you think?
When you win, expectations will rise. We are well aware of our responsibilities. We have a tough series ahead, against Australia and Pakistan and we are looking forward to doing our best.
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