Hitting a six online
He could be just another 28-year-old who finds it hard to conceal his excitement over social networking sites like Twitter. But, Yuvraj Singh is no ordinary celebrity blogging and attracting fans online. Though the cricketer acknowledges his late entry into the cyber world, he has a few aces up his sleeve.
Aren’t you a little late in launching an official website?
I am not late. In fact, I think my timing could not have been better. The Indian Premier League would begin soon and interest in cricket would be at an all-time high. My site, www.yuvrajsingh.co.in, is my personal haven where I can share news with fans. It also gives me the freedom to write what’s on my mind, and probably reach out to people with whom I could not network otherwise.
I know M S Dhoni and some other cricketers have their websites, Harbhajan Singh blogs. I think it’s good to lend an ear to fans who give the most honest feedback, whether you play good or bad.
How different is your website ?
I have learnt from others. I involved myself in updating features, like photos from my past, titbits on my family, my favourite comic book icon and sport stars I adore. The site is developed by Hungama. Since I love to play games (on computer and mobile), fans can play cricket-based games and hit six sixes on my website .
The website also has a section on the Yuvraj Singh Foundation, where I hope to raise money to make sports accessible to underprivileged children.
Do you intend to add more game titles?
Yes, I would like to launch sport-based game titles that fans can play on both my website or buy from retail stores.
How often do you tweet?
Time is a big factor, but I have my Blackberry mobile to tweet an update my status every time I get a break from practice schedules. I have nearly 19,000 followers on Twitter and I follow Preity Zinta, Karan Johar, Gul Panag, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sania Mirza and A R Rahman, and a few international sportspersons like Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Rafael Nadal.
Is it possible to keep up with 19,000-plus followers on Twitter?
I probably can’t reply to every single tweet sent to me, but I can reply to the ones I really feel for.
Do you like social networking?
If you are not on social platforms then you miss the chance to be closer to millions of fans and critics. When I was recently injured, my supporters were so quick in expressing their concern. How could I hope to know that if I had not been active online?