Yuvraj Singh was the architect of the win against Australia in the lone T20 match at Rajkot and should have been elated after the knock. But the day wasn't about him: he seemed sad that friend, philosopher and guide Sachin Tendulkar had chosen to retire, says a report in The Times Of India.
Asked whether he was happy with his performance, Yuvraj said: "I don't know whether I am happy or sad. Really happy because of the way I hit the ball. But sad as Sachin is retiring."
According to the report, Yuvraj tried his best to control his emotions but the words choked in his throat. "I'm going to catch his feet and I don't think I'm going to let him go. It has been amazing playing with him all these years. He is the greatest player to play the game. Not just cricket, the person that he is...what an ambassador of the game. It is going to be a very emotional time for the whole of India. I actually don't know what to say. There are so many things about Sachin to say."
After a pause, Yuvraj continued: "He is a very down-to-earth person. He never showed that he is the great Sachin Tendulkar. He is always chirpy with the youngsters, even though you are a little reluctant to go up to him. Personally he has always guided me on and off the field in many things, especially our World Cup journey which has been very special for me. I can't actually express in words but...you know...(chokes)...it is actually very tough for me to see him go."
According to a report in the DNA, an emotional Yuvraj, who guided India to a six-wicket win over Australia here, dedicated his unbeaten innings to Tendulkar who yesterday announced that he would quit Test cricket after playing his 200th match against the West Indies next month.
"Well I don't know if I am happy or sad. Happy that I hit the ball and sad day that Sachin is retiring. But really happy the way I hit the ball and how I continued to play well since the India A and West Indies A series," Yuvraj said at the post-match press conference.
"Definitely, I would like to dedicate it to Sachin and hopefully, maybe tell him on the phone as well. That is the least I can do, dedicate this knock to him. I will also like to dedicate this knock to my mother who prayed a lot for my comeback. Everyday she has been praying for me," he said.