Dhoni played the innings of his life, says Yuvraj

Yuvraj Singh, on Monday, complimented India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his match-winning innings of 91 not out in the World Cup final, terming it as the latter’s best-ever knock.

 

“It was a dream come true. As MS (Dhoni) said I did not know what to do. I wanted to jump on MS and keep jumping on him. He had just played the innings of his life,” the flamboyant batsman said.

The wicketkeeper-batsman had promoted himself to No. 5, ahead of in-form Yuvraj, and simply took the game away from Sri Lanka by slamming two sixes and eight fours in his 79-ball masterpiece at the Wankhede Stadium.

“It was the highlight of my career. To win the World Cup after 28 years was very special. Can’t explain the feelings,” said Yuvraj, who scored 362 runs in nine matches and also grabbed 15 wickets. 

Dhoni, for his part, conceded he had gone blank after hitting the winning shot, a six. “I was quite blank at that point of time. I didn’t know how to celebrate the Cup win. Then I saw Yuvraj’s 6-foot, 2-inch (frame) coming towards me. I thought, he’s not going anywhere; let me get to the stumps (souvenirs) first,” said Dhoni at an event organised by Reebok to felicitate the triumphant team members.

Yuvraj said he worked hard to make a memorable comeback into the Indian squad after being dropped from both the Test and ODI teams last year.

“Last year was not a great one. I suffered a lot of injuries, but I received a lot of support from my teammates and people close to me. I kept on working hard and performed at the right time,” he said.

Dhoni also talked about the importance of fielding and fitness.

“Of course, we have to put in a 100 per cent effort (to keep fit). Fielding is an integral part. Twenty overs (games) are said to be demanding, but in 50 overs (games) you have to maintain intensity throughout,” he said.

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said for him the team always came first.

“Whenever there is a time to celebrate I celebrate. That’s the way I have always been. I am there always for the team, the team comes first,” he said.