Sourav Ganguly Speaks on Farewell Game for Yuvraj Singh and Rainy Days in England

Yuvraj Singh doesn’t require a farewell match, feels former India skipper Sourav Ganguly under whom the just-retired cricketer debuted in international cricket in the year 2000. His achievements as a player won’t go down if he doesn’t get a “retirement match” added Ganguly, who loved taking a take a short nap when it rained on match days. Yuvraj Singh Calls Sourav Ganguly, ‘Dadi’ on Twitter After Former India Captain Tweets on His Retirement.

Yuvraj announced his decision to retire from international cricket on June 10 (Monday), putting an end to his illustrious 19-year long career that saw him lift the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2007 T20 World Cup with the Indian national cricket team. Yuvraj Singh Retirement: Re-Tracking the Cricketing Journey of One of India’s Biggest Match-Winners.

His sudden decision to call it quits shocked many including his die-hard fans, who soon started trending “#YuvrajDeservesProperFarewell” on social media urging the BCCI to give the 37-year-old a farewell game and allow him to retire on the cricket field. His contribution to the Indian team makes him a deserving candidate to get a farewell, fans reasoned on twitter. Yuvraj Singh Fans Demand Proper Farewell for Him, Trend #YuviDeservesProperFarewell After Star Cricketer Ends His International Career Abruptly!

But according to Ganguly, who is currently in England as a commentator for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, retirement games are not important. It was under Ganguly that Yuvraj made his international debut and smashed 84 runs off just 80 balls against Australia at the 2000 ICC Knockout tournament.

“I don't think so [deserves a retirement match]. I don't believe in retirement matches. If it falls in the course of your continuation as a player... of you being a part of the team... part of a normal system of Test or ODI... then fine," Ganguly said during an interaction with former Ireland cricketer Niall John O Brien on the ICC website.

Sourav Ganguly Responds on If Yuvraj Singh Deserved a Farewell Game:

"Whatever he has achieved as a player will not go down if he doesn't get a farewell match. I don't believe in it. He's been a terrific player... a match winner. He should be very proud of what he has achieved," he added.

Meanwhile, Yuvraj himself revealed that the BCCI had promised him a farewell game if he failed the yo-yo test.

"I didn't tell anyone in BCCI that I want a farewell game. If I had the potential, I would have left from the ground. I didn't need a match. I was told that if I failed a Yo-Yo test then I can play a retirement match. I told them I don't need the game, if I don't pass the Yo-Yo test, I'll go home quietly. I passed the Yo-Yo Test and rest is not my call," said Yuvraj at the media interaction while announcing his retirement.

Ganguly also recalled many memories of Yuvraj but picked the six sixes as his most fond memory of the left-hander. “I have many, many fond memories of Yuvraj Singh. He started under my captaincy. We went to Australia and he was the Man of the Match on debut. We beat the best team of our generation in a Champions Trophy quarter-final. But my best memory of Yuvraj would be the six sixes in the World T20 in England," Ganguly added.

"It's not about the sixes but to hit 6 sixes in an overs against an outstanding fast bowler in Stuart Broad. And then Man of the Match in the 2011 World Cup, those memories will always remain. He was an out-and-out match-winner."

Rains in England, a nap and a hot cup of coffee

The former Indian skipper, who has been on several tours to England during his playing career also spoke about what he did and how he tackled the rainy days in England. “You expect their sort of days during the tour to England,” said the 46-year-old.

Watch the Interesting Interview Here:

In the early part of the tournament, you enjoy because you are trying to get in form and you want more time in the nets to prepare for the match. But once it gets towards the end of the tournament you don’t mind the rain. If it rains during match days, towards the end of the tournament, “You want to take rest. So you find corners in the dressing room. And when you know the chances of the game happening is very slim, you look for your kit bag and your towel. Then try and get an hour of sleep to be fresh.

When asked if he would bowl first after winning the toss in a rain-affected match. Ganguly hilariously mentioned that he won’t worry about the toss at all. When it rains, as a captain I would like a lovely hot cup of coffee and not worry about the toss actually.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 12, 2019 01:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).