Gurgaon: India’s World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh, who returned home a few days back after being successfully treated for cancer in the United States, said he would resume playing cricket sooner or later.

Addressing the media for more than an hour at the Yuvraj Singh Centre for Excellence, the dashing left-hander said he was thankful to his friends, fans and especially his mother Shabnam for helping him to win the battle against the dreaded disease.

Clean shaven and sporting a black T-shirt and dark sunglasses, the all-rounder appeared physically strong, but turned a bit emotional when asked about his chances of returning to Team India.

“I know the fans are emotional and they want to see me back on the cricket field but they should understand it will take time to make a comeback,” said Yuvraj.

“After all, my body needs time. After what I have gone through in the past few months, my priorities have to be specified. I need to remain in best health in the best surroundings. I am in no hurry but may be, in the next few months, I can resume playing cricket. Frankly, it all depends on the condition of my health,” he said.

Yuvraj’s physician, Dr Nitesh Rohatgi, who was present during the media interaction, said though the cricketer was completely cured now, five per cent chances of a relapse was always there. “But I believe that, too, will be eliminated in the next few years,” said the reputed oncologist.

Diagnosed with cancer, Yuvraj went to the US for chemotherapy, and then travelled to London where he recuperated from the after-effects.

Yuvraj said he did not watch much cricket in the last few months. “At times, it was frustrating to watch my teammates play… I was then fighting for life. In the US, I used to peep through the window to watch how old and young people were running in the park. I desperately wanted to be part of them…

“I wanted to run all the way back to my country. Thank God, I am back; I can lead my life like any normal person now,” he said.

His mother Shabnam, Yuvraj said, was his biggest friend during those long nights. “There were times when I cried like a child, but she never shed any tear in front of me and stood by me all through.

“We all know how a mother feels when her child falls ill. My mother also felt the same way but remained strong. Even if she heard me coughing in the middle of the night, she came running to my bedside. Without her, I would have never made this journey,” said Yuvraj, his voice choked with emotion.

The story of legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong, who defeated cancer to make a comeback to sporting life, inspired Yuvraj. “Long back, I started reading his book, It’s not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life, but somehow did not continue reading after a few pages,” said Yuvraj.

“I read it again in the last few months… I never realised before that I have to complete the book this way. Armstrong suffered from a similar type of cancer but his was at the last stage and mine was detected early.

“But I can’t compare myself with him. For me, Lance is a real-life hero. He is a great sportsman… an achiever. To me, just to recuperate and get back would be a big achievement,” Yuvraj said.

“I missed so much action on the field. I wanted to be a part of the team when Sachin (Tendulkar) got his 100th century. It is amazing that I was a teammate of such a great player…

“So I was simply overwhelmed when we caught up in London. He did not tell me he was coming… Perhaps he wanted to surprise me. I was so happy that day,” said Yuvraj.

Yuvraj said that Virat Kohli is a “very special kid” and that he had learnt a lot from him. “Since the time he has joined the Indian team, I saw his work ethic and I wished and wondered why I didn’t have that work ethic when I was his age,” Yuvraj said.

“Actually I have learnt a lot from him,” Yuvraj said. “His work ethic is brilliant, his focus is immense.”

Yuvraj said the match-winning knock of 57 against Australia in the last World Cup remains his most memorable knock. “I dreamt so much about beating Australia in the World Cup and it really happened. I played a big role in it. After (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni was out, we were under pressure,” he recalled.

In future, Yuvraj has plans to do some charitable work for cancer patients in the country.

“All I can tell them is not to panic and stay positive and relaxed. If you are in the right frame of mind, there is always greater chance of winning this battle. I can say it from my own experience,” Yuvraj said.

Yuvraj said he has realised it was important to get niggles checked. “I always wanted that I conduct myself in a way that the people who are battling this, get confidence from me. I was very scared myself.

“As a sportsman, you play with niggles and don’t get ourselves checked. But we should get ourselves checked. When I started coughing, I ignored it. It wasn’t right but I did that because of the World Cup,” he said.