Yuvraj Singh contemplating opening a cricket academy

Yuvraj has been left out of the India's squad for the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand and was also not in the team for the recently concluded Test series against Australia.

"I have an idea of starting an academy. The aim is to get the best of talent of India," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. On the location of the academy, he said, "Wherever I can, where there is some space and the right environment," adding that he would probably open it in north India.

"It is a long procedure", he said adding there was a need for good academies that offer various facilities for training. He was here for an event to felicitate the shortlisted contestants of a competition on innovative ideas that have the potential to transform India.

Yuvraj, the brand ambassador for ITC's Classmate which has launched the contest titled 'Classmate Ideas for India Challenge' said, his own idea for India was "to encourage the youth to give out their best. It is to be a good example, a good icon and help the youth to give their best."

Asked if he had any idea that may help India clinch the next year's World Cup, he said, "It is not just an idea that would help clinch the world cup. It requires work and effort by the team. Having just an idea and playing cricket were altogether different."