Mumbai, April 3: India batsman Yuvraj Singh was today named player of the tournament at the conclusion of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Wankhede, Mumbai. The 29-year-old batted eight innings in the tournament, scoring a total of 362 at an average of 86.19

Speaking at the presentation, the flamboyant batsman said, “This is unbelievable. U-19, T20 World Cup [wins were also special] - but this is the most important for the team and for every individual born in this country. I want to dedicate this Man-of-the-Series trophy to my Gurus – Guru Ram Singh and Guru Ajit Singh [and] my parents. It couldn’t have been possible without their support.”

“The last time we were in the World Cup final (2003), we were chasing 358 and made a lot of mistakes,” said Yuvraj referring to the final against Australia in the South Africa edition. “This time we didn’t want to do the same. We saved a lot of runs in the field and batted well under pressure. Gauti [Gautam Gambhir] and MS [Dhoni] batted really well. They batted like they would in any normal game. We’ve taken the pressure brilliantly and batted like champions.”

Yuvraj has also played the role of fifth bowler for Team India to perfection, taking 15 wickets at an average of 25.13 and an economy-rate of 5.02

“We don’t have a genuine left-arm spinner so it was my job to come and bowl 10 overs. I’ve been working hard on my bowling. Narendra Hirwani has been helping me a lot. Taking two or three wickets really helps the team. I worked hard for my team and that is why I have this award in my hand,” he ended, understandably welling up with emotion.