HE'S known to give one-line answers. And considering that cricketer Yuvraj Singh has just landed from New Zealand this morning, chances seem bleak
HE'S known to give one-line answers. And considering that cricketer Yuvraj Singh has just landed from New Zealand this morning, chances seem bleak. Turns out, he's in a good mood but his answers remain to the point.
He cheers up when children come to meet him at his room. "Come, come in," he says, hugging the girls and saying 'hello' to the boys. He even jumps up on the couch to pose for photographs, almost falling once amidst laughter.
Yuvraj is in town to promote merchandises under brand Yuvi, which has caricatures of him in his last year's six sixes glory at the Twenty20. An initiative of actor Dino Morea and Malay Parekh, who hails from the Pidilite family, the merchandising company is called Cool Maal.
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Your association with Cool Maal sounds interesting.
Well, I'm a big football fan. Whenever I go to England, I buy something... perhaps a T-shirt of Manchester United. If there's a sportsperson you like, you pick up his stuff. And the player, in turn, comes closer to his fans.u00a0
So how cool are you?
(Emphasises) I... am... not so cool (laughs). I am trying to be. With Cool Maal, I could get cool pretty soon.
Part of the sale proceeds will go to your yet-to-be announced Yuvraj Singh Foundation.
Yes, that's right. I am going to announce the foundation pretty soon. A lot of celebrities have their foundations to generate money for the needy. That's my agenda too. I was associated with CRY and one day I thought, I am going to have my own foundation. It's for kids who can't afford cricket equipment. My foundation will help them start playing again.
How big will this foundation be?
The more the money, the better for little kids and whoever is out there. I am going to try and help as many people as possible.
And the main office location?
Bombay. But really, it doesn't matter where the office is going to be as long as help comes and we are able to support the needy. That's more important. I hope people from all over the world come forward. It will be lovely...
Talking about cricket, what's the mood like in the Kings XI Punjab team?
Oh... very good. I have just come from New Zealand. Everyone else is in South Africa already. I'll be going there soon. Hopefully, we will start with a bang.
Last year, you lost out in the semi-finals to Chennai Super Kings. How are you geared mentally this time?
Mental preparation is going to be the moment you get there. We have enough good players to understand the mental side of the game. In Twenty20 game, it's pretty unpredictable. Once you have a bad start, you can't come back into the game.
So luck plays a role in cricket. You believe in that?
Ya... ya... you do need a bit of a luck. But I always feel that the harder you work, the luckier you get. That's my theory in life. I always go by it.
Do you think the IPL is entertainment or just cricket?
I think it's both. It improves us in playing the 50-over matches. The game is getting faster and faster every day. And IPL is shorter and there are more sixes. I'm sure you enjoy sixes as well (laughs).
Yes, I do. If you were watching a clincher from the stands... where we need 10 runs off five balls, what would you be thinking?
That we would win it. That's the way we're playing cricket now. It's lovely to see the boys do so well. We all back each other. That's the reason we are winning.
Do you think youth gets in fresh energy in One-Dayers?
It does. As a young kid when I started playing cricket...I'm still young (laughs)... there was this passion about playing for the country. The younger you are, the better you are on the ground. We have better fielders now. And IPL gives them a chance to play international cricket.
With international cricketers on the IPL team, does it hamper the game when you play against them internationally?
There are no friends on the ground. When we play for the country, we play to win. But obviously, you do get to know the boys, their culture and eventually become good friends.
You are aggressive on the field. You were also known to have an aggressive streak off it.
I still have it (laughs). Aggressiveness should come out to bring the best in you. In normal life, you can get aggressive. But you grow and learn lots of things in life. Controlled aggressiveness should be everywhere, not just on the field. Even in your relationship, family and friends.
You said relationship. Are you in one now?
No, I am single. (Sighs)
Ok, we believe you. As a cricketer, you're comfortable getting dirty on the field and wearing makeup while walking the ramp...
...u00a0But I shower and go on the ramp (laughs).
That's nice... but really, how does it feel?
It feels different. There is no pressure on the ramp. People are clapping for you. It's good fun. It's just that everything I have is because of cricket today.
But cricket is unpredictable...
Life is unpredictableu2026 anything can happen anytime. As long as you are ready for it, you will be okay.
When was the last time you did something unpredictable or lived in the moment?
I always live my life to the fullest. We all just live one life. Time is not going to come back, so I try and make the most of it.
That's a safe answer.
Well, that's the right answer (laughs).
You party a lot with your Harbhajan Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Ya, we win, we party. When you win, you can do whatever you want.
Okay...
...u00a0(interrupts) When you win, you've got to enjoy.
South Africa has a lot of places to party. How are you going to keep the focus on the game?
Well, my focus will be playing the IPL. I am sure I won't have a problem there.
Tell us who the real Yuvi is?
I am a pretty straight person. I am what I am. I don't pretend to be someone else. And that's why my friends and family love me. And I am sure you will also like me (laughs).
And one thing we don't know about?
You don't want to know that... (laughs mischievously).
Come on... tell us.
I am a very sweet boy (guffaws).
What's your parting shot?
(Dino interrupts and prompts him) I love my fans. Fans, please love meu2026
(Yuvi laughs and repeats) I love my fansu2026 my fans love me.
Seriously...
I wish peace to everyone. And also, buy the merchandise (laughs out loud)!
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