Mumbai desk, June 26: There’s good news for Indian cricket fans. On Monday, Yuvraj Singh faced his first few deliveries in the nets after undergoing treatment for a rare germ cell cancer earlier this year. Yuvraj, who was diagnosed with a type of cancer called ‘mediastinal seminoma’, a germ-cell tumour located between his lungs, is in the second week of his rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy.
"Grilling session at nca! Happy to hit a few balls after almost 6 mnths. Strength is ok need to build on cardio!! Target t20 w cup. Let's c," Yuvraj tweeted.
The Indian limited overs’ stalwart, who was also the Player-of-the-Tournament for his all-round performance in the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup, is looking to make a return for the ICC T20 World Cup that will be played in Sri Lanka in September later this year.
“The target is the T20 World Cup, and hopefully I can be ready a little before that,” said the 30-year-old left-hander. Yuvraj has not played any cricket since he was diagnosed with the disease last November.
He did, however, strike a note of caution to fans eager to see him back on the field:
“I will be in [the] NCA for a while now. I want to come back and play for India, that's my goal. It's not very easy on the body. I have gone through a lot and my body has gone through a lot of shock. People are expecting me to come back very quickly, but I don't want to rush. I will have to take my time and come back 100% fit.”
Yuvraj is currently in his second week of rehabilitation at the NCA. He underwent chemotherapy in the United States before returning to India in April where he has continued his rehabilitation. Yuvraj’s response to his treatment had left his medical team ‘fairly confident’ that he would not suffer a relapse.
Yuvraj thanked all his fans and well-wishers for the incredible support he received during his treatment.
“Great response... it is overwhelming... the wishes of the whole country. I want to come back and play for the country,” he said.
