The 2011 Cricket World Cup remains a golden chapter in the history of Indian cricket, but it was not without its moments of intense pressure and criticism. Yuvraj Singh, the tournament's 'Player of the Tournament' and one of its biggest heroes, recently shared a fascinating anecdote about how the team dealt with a "backlash" during the tournament. The story offers a rare glimpse into the team's mindset and the crucial role played by Sachin Tendulkar and then-coach Gary Kirsten.

Yuvraj, who was instrumental in India's victory with both bat and ball, recalled a period during the tournament when the team was facing heavy criticism from the media and fans. The pressure to perform in front of a home crowd was immense, and every minor misstep was amplified. Speaking at a recent event, Yuvraj revealed that in one such instance, after a particularly challenging match, the team was feeling the heat.

The Golden Advice from Tendulkar and Kirsten

In a moment of vulnerability, Yuvraj recounted the golden advice he received from two of the most respected figures in the dressing room: Sachin Tendulkar and Gary Kirsten. "Sachin Tendulkar, Gary Kirsten told us go back to your room with..." Yuvraj paused, "with your partner." He explained that their advice was to tune out the external noise and focus on what was within their control. The message was simple yet profound: "Go back to your room, shut the door, and don't listen to anything. You have to focus on your game."

This advice was a powerful reminder to the players to create their own bubble of focus and to not let the immense pressure from outside affect their performance. Tendulkar, who was playing in his final World Cup, knew the weight of expectations better than anyone. His calm demeanor and sage advice, coupled with Kirsten's unwavering support, provided the team with the mental fortitude they needed to navigate the challenges.

The Power of a United Team

Yuvraj's story highlights the importance of strong leadership and a united team environment. In a high-stakes tournament like the World Cup, a team's mental resilience is often as important as its cricketing skills. The anecdote from the 2011 World Cup serves as a perfect example of how a team, under the right guidance, can overcome external pressure and focus on their ultimate goal.

The 'backlash' that Yuvraj referred to was a a collective one, but the solution was individual. The advice to "go back to your room" was not a call for isolation, but for a mindful disconnection from negativity. It was about finding a safe space to regroup, analyze, and prepare for the next battle. This powerful strategy, championed by Tendulkar and Kirsten, ultimately paid off, leading to India's glorious victory. Yuvraj's recent revelation serves as a testament to the crucial role played by these mentors in shaping one of the greatest triumphs in Indian cricket history.
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