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‘Yuvi paaji ne motivate kar diya matlab ho gaya’ – Fans react as Yuvraj Singh reveals how he inspired dengue-hit Shubman Gill to play against Pakistan
Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are set to face off in a much-anticipated 2023 ODI World Cup on Saturday (October 14) at the world’s largest cricket venue – the Narendra Modi Stadium. Both the teams got off to a flying start with two wins in a row. However, winning the blockbuster IND-PAK match will be something special as both aim to dominate Ahmedabad.
Rohit Sharma‘s team looks solid, but they will want the services of star opener Shubman Gill in the high-octane clash. The 24-year-old, who has been in red-hot form this year, missed the first two matches with dengue fever. However, in a positive update, Gill returned to training in the nets on Thursday after being sidelined for over a week.
Amid uncertainty over his participation against Pakistan, former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh revealed how he motivated the right-handed batter. In an exclusive interview with News 18, the legendary all-rounder said he asked Gill to quickly join the team as the game against Pakistan is very important. He also cited the example of playing in the World Cup while battling cancer.
“Shubham Gill ko maine tagda kar diya hai [I have strengthened Shubham Gill]. I told him that I had played in the World Cup while battling cancer, so I got ready quickly to join the team. Hopefully, he will be ready for the India vs Pakistan game,” Yuvraj told News18.
“Anyway he’d played if he was feeling better. But to bounce back from a viral or dengue is really difficult. It sucks everything from your body. I’m he’s really looking forward to playing that game,” he added.
It’s the ‘talk of the town’: Yuvraj on IND vs PAK match
An India-Pakistan match is always a crowd-puller considering the fact that the two sides do not meet in the bilateral series. Like millions of fans, Yuvraj is also excited for Saturday’s match. He also lauded the way Team India handled the pressure to win by six wickets against Australia.
“It’s the ‘talk of the town’ at the moment. India vs Pakistan matches are always special. Whenever I speak to the guys, I tell them to look forward to it as it’s a big occasion. You don’t know if these times are going to come back,” Yuvraj said.
“I felt that we handled the pressure really well in the first game after losing a few quick wickets. The bowlers did well and we utilised the condition as we know in our country,” he added.
Here’s how fans reacted to Yuvraj Singh’s statement:
Hope Shubman Gill can play if he is 100% fit. Life is important than cricket. Ishan has also score good run against Pakistan.
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) October 13, 2023
Playing cricket with having cancer was a bold decision taken by Yuvi Paaji. But he is one in himself. All others are different and do not have such type of guts. India should look to rest Gill if he is not fully fit bcz there prime goal is to win WC
— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) October 13, 2023
Yuvraj Singh : The warrior 💪💯✅
— Pritam Pandey ✌️ (@ViratFan100) October 13, 2023
What I think is that we should give him proper rest its not final and our team is already strong. Subhman gill should be left rested so he can perform at its peak in important matches that's my point of view
— Jethalal Memes (@Jethalal_Memes) October 13, 2023
Great motivation by legend……
— Hriday Singh (@hridaysingh16) October 13, 2023
Are bhai phle body fit too hone doo uske bad khelna
— Indra Chopra (@indra_chop19384) October 13, 2023
Shubham gill is a Fighter I think he will play against Pakistan in his favourite stadium 💯✅
— Pritam Pandey ✌️ (@ViratFan100) October 13, 2023
Bus yuvi paaji ne motivate kar diya matlab ho gaya 🔥🔥
— Zoya Khan (@SweetZzoya) October 13, 2023
https://twitter.com/Xh_Sahib/status/1712670379678769597
Gill bhi yuvi ki tarah world cup jitayega is bar
— Hussain (@imhussy92) October 13, 2023