Yuvraj uncertain about future but determined to play again

Gurgaon, April 11 (IANS) India's star cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who returned home on Monday after undergoing treatment in the US for a rare germ cell cancer, said Wednesday that he was thankful to god for having back his life but admitted that it won't be easy for him to make a quick return to the cricket field.

Yuvraj, however, remained hopeful about his future and said it would be a great achievement for him if he makes it to the cricket field in two months.

"I don't know what future holds. It will be a great achievement if I get back to the field. I am thankful to god that I got back my life. Everybody faces such issues. I am very happy and thankful to everyone that I am out of it," said Yuvraj, addressing the media for the first time since his return.

Accompanied by his doctor Nitesh Rohatgi, Yuvraj asked his fans to be patient as health and not cricket remains his priority.

"All my fans want me to come back soon, I am sure you people will understand that my body will take time. I will have to take care of my health. I will try to return as soon as possible, in the next two months. I have been through a very tough time," he said.

Yuvraj admitted that the last three months were the toughest phase of his life.

"Cancer is out of my system, but the scars are yet to be healed. A high protein diet helped. Thankful to god that I got my life back," he said.

Yuvraj, who underwent treatment in the Boston, said he drew inspiration from legendary American cyclist Lance Armstrong, who survived testicular cancer.

"Cyclist Lance Armstrong helped a lot and he was an inspiration in my fight against cancer. 5-6 years back I was reading his book and left it midway for some reason. I had to complete it this way may be. He had similar cancer but his was in the last stage and mine was detected at early stage," he said.

Yuvraj said his biggest strength was his mother Shabnam.

"Lucky the cancer got detected early. The presence of my mother gave me strength. I don't think without her I would have made this journey," said Yuvraj.

Yuvraj admitted that he was initially in a denial mode when he was detected with cancer.

"I was in a denial initially. I concealed my ill-health for a long time. I had breathing problems during World Cup. I gave myself pep talk. I battled breathing problems. I was cheerful even after cancer was detected," he said.

Yuvraj said a pep talk by batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar in London helped him a lot.

"Sachin Tendulkar always spoke positively and always inspired me. It is difficult but not impossible to overcome cancer. If I can overcome everyone can.

"It was great to see him in London. I didn't want this to come out but media would have known. I was delighted to see him. He has been a legend in Indian cricket, a great guy. It was great motivation for me. It was a great that he came all the way to see me," said Yuvraj.

Yuvraj said he missed being a part of the legend's 100th international century.

"I was in touch with Sachin while he was in Australia. I also wanted his 100th hundred. He has always inspired me. I wanted to be part of the team when Sachin got his 200 in ODIs, got his 100th hundred but unfortunately I was not there. I was there in thoughts and congratulated him," he said.

"It's a very big achievement. It's just amazing that he has played for so many years. I have developed a cherished friendship with him. Unfortunate that I wasn't there when he got the 100th hundred," he said.

Yuvraj also had words of praise for India's ODI vice-captain Virat Kohli.

"He is a very special kid, very talented. I have learnt from him. His focus and work ethic is immense. I feel why I did not have a work ethic like him. In his age, you can be vulnerable but he is very focussed. He is doing phenomenally well, I am really happy for him," he said.

Yuvraj said the most cherished innings in his career was the 57 against Australia in the semifinal of the World Cup.

"It was a very special innings for me because when I was struggling, I would always visualise that I get the winning runs against Australia. So, that's why it is so special for me. The runs are not many but are very important," he said.