Gurgaon: Star crickter Yuvraj Singh on Wednesday made it clear that a comeback to cricket won’t be easy and his fans need to be patient, like they have been during the past three month.
Addressing the media at his cricket academy here during his first and only press conference following treatment in the US, the Man of the Tournament from last year’s World Cup, which India won after 28 years, said it may take him few months to come back and it will be a big achievement for him to get back on the field.
“It is frustrating to be out of action. At present just wanna live my life as a normal human being,” said Yuvraj, who was flanked by his doctor Nitesh Rohatgi at the press conference.
“Cancer is out of my body. In few months I would be in physical condition to play cricket.
“As a sportsman all I can say that I will go hard. I want to wear that India logo on my head,” he said.
“I will go for some IPL games. I want to wear the Pune jersey and support the team in the IPL.”
Yuvraj had a lot of support while he was fighting it out in the US and had a word of encouragement for all those suffering from the unfortunate malignant illness.
“I am thankful to God that I have got my life back and I am thankful to the people of nation. Such phases are part and parcel of everyone’s life but I am thankful to everybody,” said he.
“I want to stay positive. I have plans to help cancer survivors in the future.
“Want to thank family, friends, BCCI, media, sponsors, fans. Thank You!”
The cricketer also said he was shocked to learn that he had cancer and was lucky to be alive as the cancer was detected early.
Yuvraj further added that he would not have been here if it was not for his mother.
The cricketer, who underwent three cycles of chemotherapy in United States for a rare germ cell cancer between his lungs, said he was inspired by cycling legend and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong during the treatment.
While being peppered with some serious questions surrounding his illness, Yuvraj had his sense of humour intact.
Asked about his immediate aim, the Indian batsmen retorted, “What’s my aim? Well, I’d like to get this PC (press conference) finished and go home to have my mom’s ‘gobhi ke parathe’.”
On his condition, Dr Nitesh said, “Yuvraj is not on medication now. The chances of relapse is 3-4 per cent.”
“Because of Yuvraj people will have this belief that cancer is detectable and curable,” he said.
“He (Yuvraj) had many side effects. After some weeks he will start exercising. It depends on his mental and physical strength.
“Once he understood what the right way was after the diagnosis in mid-January, it went very quickly from there.”
Yuvraj returned to India on Monday to a rousing reception from adoring fans.
After his chemotherapy session in Boston and Indianapolis, the left-handed batsman had travelled to London where he recuperated from the after-effects of his therapy.
I have developed a “cherished friendship” with Tendulkar:
Yuvraj said that he has developed a “cherished friendship” with Sachin Tendulkar over the years and the iconic batsman has always been in his thoughts during his two-month treatment in the United States.
Yuvraj rued that he could not be part of the Indian team when Tendulkar hit his 100th international century. (Agencies)