New Delhi, April 3 — Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian all-rounder and World Cup winner, stated that cricketers should begin playing golf at a young age to cope with the stress of their main profession. After retiring from cricket, Yuvraj has taken up golf as a hobby and has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the second Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL).

As per agency report, during the unveiling of the 10 franchises of the IGPL, he expressed that cricketers should play both cricket and golf. He mentioned that he should have started playing golf earlier, as it could have benefited him in cricket, adding that golf truly helps relieve stress. The schedule for the IGPL is yet to be finalized. He noted that many foreign cricketers, especially from Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa, have been playing golf since childhood.

Yuvraj acknowledged that golf is often seen as an exclusive sport, but he believes it should be accessible to everyone through public golf courses. He emphasized the importance of introducing golf in schools, stating that every child should try every sport. Yuvraj recognized cricket as the most popular sport in India but insisted that golf is also an exciting game worth trying.

As a player who has represented India, he wants to contribute to other sports as well. He believes that the IGPL will make the sport exciting and raise awareness, encouraging more children to adopt it, watch it on TV, and be inspired to play. This will bring financial support to the sport and help secure children's futures, which he considers a responsibility.

This year's IGPL will feature 10 franchises and 15 tournaments throughout the year, including five international tournaments in Mauritius, Congo, South Africa, and Morocco. The IGPL has partnered with LIV Golf and has been integrated with the professional tour. The event was also attended by former tennis star and co-owner of the Kolkata franchise, Leander Paes, along with IGPL CEO Uttam Singh Mundi.

New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh on Tuesday said that he is “not sure, to be honest” if India are going to win the 2023 World Cup at home.

In a freewheeling chat on a YouTube channel Cricket Basu, the cricketer pelted the sports presenter with candid views on the state of Indian cricket. And no, Yuvraj isn’t impressed.

So much so when he was asked about India's 2023 World Cup chances, he said: "I am actually not sure to be honest if they are going to win the World Cup, I can say like a patriot that India will win. I see a lot of concerns in the Indian team in the middle-order because of injuries.

“It is frustrating seeing them (India) not to win a world Cup but it is what it is,” said a visibly agitated Yuvraj when asked about the Indian cricket team’s up-and-down performances of the last ten years.

He also made no bones about the fact that it’s the combinations that have been letting the Indian squad down. “We have a sensible captain, Rohit Sharma. They should get their combination right. We need a couple of games to get ready. We should have a pool of at least 20 players to pick a squad of 15 out of.”

According to Yuvraj in the run up to the World Cup, “The top order is fine but the middle order needs to be sorted. Slots 4 and 5 are very important. If Rishab pant is batting fourth for the IPL franchise, then he should come in at number 4 even for the national squad. The number four batsman cannot be a flamboyant run getter. He has to be someone who can absorb the pressure.”

He also suggested that India can't be in experimental mode while playing pressure matches like the knock-out games.

Asked about the ideal No.4. the position which he made his own, Yuvraj suggested KL Rahul name and in same breath took Rinku Singh's name for the spot. "Rinku Singh was batting really well. I think he has the sense to create partnership and retain that strike. It is too early. If you want him, you have to give him enough matches," Yuvraj added.

For fans who would like to see Yuvraj associated with the game at the highest level he quips, “Yes, I think that I would make a good coach. But for that you have to be in the system.”

He also has hopes for Indian cricket now that former cricketer Ajit Agarkar is also a good choice as the chairman of the selection committee.