IPL 2016: Yuvraj Singh slams younger generation for preferring cash-rich tournament to first-class cricket

At a time when the IPL is copping numerous controversies, Yuvraj Singh has added to the turmoil by publicly criticizing the younger generation in the country for putting the cash-rich T20 tournament over first-class cricket.

Mumbai Mirror reported the 34-year old speaking about the attitude and preferences of the present-day cricketers. He also opened up about his future and revealed that the desire to perform was still there.

Yuvraj claimed, “This generation is a bit outspoken, at times the things they do look inappropriate in public. But, that's the way the younger generation is going. I think they need to calm themselves.”

The left-hander was quite vocal about the misplaced priorities of the current generation of Indian cricketers. He affirmed, “I see plenty of younger players in the IPL. After hitting a boundary or a six, they behave as though they have won the game. It is not right. Only once you have won, you should enjoy the way you want to.”

Asserting that the Ranji Trophy still remained the premier domestic tournament in India, the 34-year old declared, “I feel many guys are looking forward to playing just the IPL. They give less importance to domestic cricket. Even in our Punjab Ranji team, they want to play T20.”

The elegant batsman had earlier accepted the fact that he under-achieved in Test cricket. His assessment is pretty fair when the commitment of the previous generation towards earning the Indian cap is taken into account. Starting his career at a very young age, Yuvraj admitted that the presence of iconic senior players helped him immensely.

The Punjab batsman who made his debut in 2000 under the captaincy of Ganguly revealed, “The present generation is different. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly were level-headed. And very controlled.“

Yuvraj also reminisced about his younger days and confessed that it was unfair to expect him to bat like the way he used to. The seasoned campaigner said, “Obviously, your game changes, the situation changes. I always try and take my time when I go to bat and then start hitting. I'm playing international cricket after a year-and-a-half, so it takes a while before I find my groove.”

He added, “I can still do what I've been doing and prove myself. I remember Tendulkar telling me that it's all about that one cover-drive you hit. That stroke gives you so much confidence.”

Currently nursing an injury, Yuvraj is targeting the May 6 IPL fixture against the Gujarat Lions for his comeback into the Sun Risers Hyderabad squad.