Yuvraj Aims to Make “Meaningful Contribution” in Champions Trophy

“We’re in a tough group, but at the same time we are a form side..,” said Yuvraj Singh.

Yuvraj Singh will be playing in the ICC Champions Trophy after a hiatus of 11 years. (Photo: Reuters)

Yuvraj Singh is hopeful that he can make a "meaningful contribution" in India's Champions Trophy title defence during the 1-18 June marquee event in England.

I am delighted to return to the India side for the 50-over ICC tournament and look forward to making a meaningful contribution as the side aims to defend its title.

Yuvraj Singh

In an ICC statement, the Indian cricketer was quoted as saying:

Like any other ICC tournament, it will be a challenging event, with each team arriving there believing it can lift the silverware on 18 June at The Oval.

(Photo: The Quint)

Yuvraj, who will be playing in the ICC Champions Trophy after a hiatus of 11 years, however, said it would be easier said than done against top cricketing nations of the world.

Yuvraj made his debut in the 2002 event in Kenya, and featured in all events until 2006, before missing the 2009 and 2013 editions of the tournament.

India are clubbed with Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka in one of the two groups.

We are in a tough group, but at the same time, we are a form side following a highly successful domestic season. We will target to carry forward the winning momentum into the ICC Champions Trophy so that we can become the second side after Australia to win back to back titles.

Yuvraj said India have always felt at home while playing in the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom is an excellent location to host the ICC Champions Trophy. We have always felt at home away from home due to the overwhelming support we always receive there.

India has retained eight players from the successful team of 2013, namely Virat Kohli, who will captain India for the first time in a major ICC event, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav.

While a number of players will be returning to this short and sharp tournament, Pakistan's Shoaib Malik became the ninth cricketer to be selected for his sixth successive tournament.

All the teams can make changes to their squads without needing an ICC approval until 24 May. All player replacement requests from 25 May onward will require the approval of the Event Technical Committee.

(This article has been edited for length.)