'Khadaa Ho Jaa Aur Khel, Main Do Baar Dengue Mein Khela Hun': Yuvraj's Message to Gill - WATCH

Team India is set to play against Pakistan at home after seven long years and the lovers of the game are super excited. The world’s largest cricketing venue – Narendra Modi Stadium – is set to host the most-anticipated game of the ongoing ODI World Cup as the action gets underway on Saturday. Ahead of the crucial game, former Indian all-rounder and 2-time world champion Yuvraj Singh has given a special message to young batter Shubman Gill who is recovering from dengue at the moment.

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Gill missed out on India’s first two games – against Australia and Afghanistan – after being hit by dengue. Questions loomed over his participation in the big game against Pakistan but CricketNext reported on Thursday that he finally resumed training after staying away from action for more than a week.

Speaking exclusively with News18, Yuvraj said he called up Gill and asked him to get up and play as the game against Pakistan is very important.

“I did call him and told him, ‘Main do baar dengue mein khela hun, World Cup mein bhi meri tabiyat theek nahi thi. To khadaa ho jaa aur khel because it’s a very important game’ (I’ve played twice with dengue and wasn’t well during the World Cup 2011. So, just get up and play),” Yuvraj told News18.

“Anyway he’d played if he was feeling better. But to bounce back from a viral or dengue is really difficult. It sucks everything from your body. I’m he’s really looking forward to playing that game,” he added.

The former India cricketer further commended India’s ability to deal with pressure situation which was on display in the game against Australia. A 165-run partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul bailed out the team from 3 for 2 in 1.5 overs.

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“I felt that we handled the pressure really well in the first game after losing a few quick wickets. The bowlers did well and we utilised the condition as we know in our country.

“We played aggressively against Afghanistan, where Rohit scored a brilliant hundred and took the game away. So, we are getting used to pressure situations because when the semi-final game comes, pressure will be there and getting used to it is very important,” Yuvraj further added.

India vs Pakistan matches are always special

“It’s the ‘talk of the town’ at the moment. India vs Pakistan matches are always special. Whenever I speak to the guys, I tell them to look forward to it as it’s a big occasion. You don’t know if these times are going to come back,” Yuvraj said.