Watch out for the recharged Yuveraj Singh

By Vijay Lokapally

NEW DELHI, SEPT 19. Kapil Dev had recommended, and distributed, this book `The Psychology Of Cricket' to every member of the team on the last tour to Australia. One is not sure how many read it, for the performance of the team remained shoddy - losing even to a State side.

Some time later, a copy of this book found its way to Yuveraj Singh, who did pick up a few lessons and brought about a refreshing change, gradual though, in his attitude towards cricket.

While making that sensational debut against Australia at Nairobi, this explosive left-hander had given enough signals of his potential. But he lost way soon.

Even though conclusions, favourable and otherwise, were made instantly in deciding the fate of this Punjab cricketer, Yuveraj, despite losing his place in the side, remained in the scheme of things of the team management.

One remembers Sunil Gavaskar from Nairobi telling Navjot Sidhu in Singapore after Yuveraj hit that dazzling 84 on debut to speak to the lad and ensure he did not lose his focus. Sidhu probably did not.

Yuveraj admitted he could not handle the success that came so early in his career. But then it could be understood because he was not even 19. Counsel came from various avenues and Yuveraj pushed himself hard on the recovery path. The fact that he had lost his place in the side was unthinkable and Yuveraj was distraught.

``It was a painful period for me. The woes came from all directions but it made me stronger in my resolve,'' said Yuveraj.

There were disturbing reports of Yuveraj not concentrating on the game. ``Most of them were aimed to malign me,'' asserted Yuveraj, who has now reportedly become popular with the same set of players who found his presence uncomfortable not very long ago.

It is not that Yuveraj is a complex character. He is as energetic and ambitious as a youngster ought to be. He also is aware that he has immense talent and has to translate his potential into meaningful, matchwinning performances which would enable him achieve his goal. ``To be ranked among the best in the world,'' he said with a fierce determination of his goal.

The National selectors were quick to discard him. ``Bad attitude,'' was their collective opinion. Yuveraj fought back. He concentrated harder for three reasons. To protect his career, do justice to his potential and to live up to the expectations of Sourav Ganguly, who had backed him all the way.

Yuveraj learnt from his seniors the importance of his wicket by being choosy of the shots he was playing. ``I was repeatedly getting out to the sweep shot which was not my strong point. I wasn't working hard on my game,'' admitted Yuveraj, who had wasted the splendid start of Nairobi with his complacent batting in the subsequent matches.

All that changed and the guidance came from his mother, and friends. ``I learnt that I had to devote more time to cricket and be selective about how I spent my time off the field. I had to make a few sacrifices,'' said Yuveraj. His visits outside home were restricted mainly to just the `nets' and much of the time at home was spent reading and analysing his game.

A new chapter was unfolding in the life of Yuveraj.

``I matured a lot during the period I spent on the sidelines. I discovered my true friends and also the foes. I realised that cricket was not an easy game. It required dedication, hard work and discipline,'' said Yuveraj. These three traits now form an essential part of his character.

The media was quite acerbic but Yuveraj took the criticism in his stride. ``I realised that the same people had written well when I had done well. So they had the right to criticise when I was not doing well,'' said Yuveraj.

``I was making some silly mistakes and I was repeating them. Maybe I had lost some of my focus but things were not as bad as portrayed. I never misbehaved or showed disrespect to my seniors. I guess I was going through a bad period and I hope that phase has passed,'' was an honest self-assessment by Yuveraj.

Yuveraj had some well-wishers in the team to help him overcome the onslaught from the critics. The trio of Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly and Rahul Dravid had rated Yuveraj high from the beginning and took turns to sort out his problems.

Tendulkar told him not to lose his focus come whatmay and not worry about criticism. ``Learn to cope with pressure,'' Tendulkar told him. The master also sorted out some minor technical flaws in Yuveraj's batting. Dravid kept telling him he had the potential to make it big and Ganguly reminded him of his talent everytime he put his pads on. ``Dada (Ganguly) has been very kind and caring. I doubt if any captain would motivate his players like he does. How many players back someone from other State as he does.''

``I've been lucky to receive help from such senior players. And I don't intend letting them down,'' said Yuveraj, who would love to pick one quality each from them - confidence from Ganguly; consistency from Tendulkar and attitude from Dravid.

Looking ahead, Yuveraj had this to say ``I am going to take things tour by tour. I'm only going to concentrate on my cricket and remain as positive as I can. International cricket is hard and I'll play it the hard way.'' Yuveraj has been busy preparing for the tour to South Africa, watching videos of bowlers he is likely to encounter and practising against the rising ball. ``I'm in the best frame of mind to organise and plan my cricket for the season,'' he concluded.

Watch out for the recharged Yuveraj, part of whose strength comes from that inspirational book tucked away in his kit along with the cricket gear.

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