Sports India

Yuvi may have missed the Arjuna Award the first two times, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be third time lucky!

Missing it twice has made him more hopeful of winning it this time round. The free-stroking but judicious batsman in the Indian middle-order, Yuvraj Singh has been nominated for the prestigious Arjuna Award for the third consecutive year. In an exclusive dialogue, Yuvi talks about his expectations for the award and more.

How does it feel to have been nominated yet again?

It feels great. Being nominated for Arjuna Award in itself is a great honour.

It’s the third time. Has the level of expectation decreased?

No. In fact I am much more hopeful this time.

And why?

That’s just a natural feeling.

The BCCI has also put forward the name of pace-man Irfan Pathan for the same award. Does that dampen your hopes?

It is government’s recognition and who will get it depends primarily upon the jury members. I would respect the decision of the jury whether I win or somebody else does.

What, according to you, have been the shortcomings because of which you’ve missed the award twice earlier?

I am sure there were more competent people. It’s a presidential award and is cleared after a thorough analysis. I don’t know about the benchmarks which get the award. All I can say is that the one who really deserves it will get it. I can just be optimistic about myself.

Is your younger brother Zoravar also planning to don a cricketer’s hat?

No, Zoravar is not interested in being a cricketer.

How is your preparation for the forthcoming Sri Lanka series coming along?

I am putting in my best efforts. This series would evaluate the performance for the world cup and I have been working on my batting.

And whom do you look up to as a batsman?

Since childhood my favourite batsman has been Sachin Tendulkar. He is an all-time great.