Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has backed the Indian team to defend its World Cup title but has urged Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side to save its best cricket for the knockout stages. 

India have qualified for the last eight with four wins from as many games. And  2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj feels the men in blue can go for glory this year, even though they are not as experienced as the team he was a part of.

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“They have started very well, they just need to sustain the momentum. I think India have a very good chance of winning the World Cup,” said Yuvraj, who will be playing for the MCC in the Emirates T20 tournament in Dubai on March 20 . 

“I think the 2011 side was more experienced than this one. We had likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh. This side is young but they have it in them to cross the finish line.” 

And the player the left-handed batsman feels can make a big impact is Virat Kohli.

“Virat is a special player and it’s hard to find anyone as consistent as him. Scoring 22 hundreds by the age of 26 is a phenomenal achievement. He is the ultimate run-machine and can handle pressure so well,” Yuvraj added.

However, the out-of-favour batsman urged the Indian team to not lose their focus as only performances in the knockouts matter.

“Play positive and reserve your best for the knockout stages. Everyone knows that three good days can win you the World Cup,” he said.

“This side is young but they have it in them to cross the finish line” – Yuvraj

Yuvraj will be teaming up with the likes of former England captain Alastair Cook during the Emirates T20 tournament.

He said: “I am really looking forward to do my best in this tournament. For so many years MCC has been the custodian of the game. They do their best to promote the game at every level. As a cricketer I want join hands with them. 

“I have started an initiative called the Yuvraj Singh Center of Excellence which works at the grassroot level. At some stage I would like to work with MCC for these kids from rural parts of India.”

*Yuvraj was speaking on behalf of Sport Arabia Worldwide and EmiratesT20