Chandigarh : Yuvraj Singh, who won India numerous matches with his spitfire knocks, has overnight become the villain responsible for India’s debacle due to his subdued performance: He had plodded and scored just 11 off 21 balls as Team India faltered in the ICC World T20 final against Sri Lanka.
As the tide turned, miffed fans pelted stone at his house in Chandigarh. Rowdy youngsters in cars also created ruckus near his house and the police had to rush a team to control the situation.
Exasperated, Yuvraj’s father Yograj Singh, a fast bowler of his times, came out in the defence of his son, saying that he should not be singled out for India’s loss. “When we lose, there is criticism from all sides. Ups and downs are part of life and part of this game as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh have pleaded with fans not to crucify Yuvraj for his lacklustre performance and warned against writing him off.
Tendulkar wrote on his Facebook page that Yuvraj had a tough day and should be criticised but should not be written off. “It is the unpredictable nature of the game that makes cricket such an exciting sport. As cricketers, we always enjoy the applause when we succeed but it is the support and encouragement from fans during tough times that we appreciate the most,” said Tendulkar.
Tendulkar said he admired Yuvraj’s indomitable spirit and hoped that the southpaw will bounce back strongly. “Yuvi, one off day cannot undermine your tremendous contribution in many sweet memories over the years. You may be down today but you are far from being out,” Tendulkar said.
Harbhajan also took to ‘Twitter’ to defend his team mate and close friend Yuvraj, who was the star of India’s triumph in the 2007 World Twenty20 event and the 2011 World Cup at home.
“Shocking to see everyone blaming Yuvraj — Guys this man has won you two world cups. One of the rare match winners India has produced,” Harbhajan tweeted.
