Disappointed at missing out of the Champions Trophy for the second consecutive time, India vice-captain Yuvraj Singh said it was his sheer bad luck that he sustained a finger injury at such a crucial time.
Yuvraj fractured the little finger of his right hand during the team's practice session at Johannesburg on Wednesday that eventually ruled him out for at least six weeks.
"Injury is part and parcel of any sportsperson's life but for me the bad luck is that it came at the wrong time as last time in 2006 also I missed the Champions Trophy due to an injury so it is a bit unfortunate," Yuvraj said.
"But, I'm hoping to recover soon and wish that Team India does well in the tournament," he added.
Yuvraj's injury is also a huge setback for India as the left-hander was the team's batting mainstay in the middle order and also a handy left-arm spinner.
Yuvraj became the third Indian cricketer after Virender Sehwag and pace spearhead Zaheer Khan to be ruled out due to injuries.
However, the southpaw feels skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has plenty of options at his disposal to come out victorious in the Champions Trophy.
"Yes you can say the team will miss me, Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan but it also means an opportunity for three new players. The team we have right now is still the best in the competition and world and am sure we will do well," Yuvraj told Aajtak.
Incidentally, the injury has also cast a shadow over Yuvraj's participation in the seven-match One-day series against Australia at home starting next month.
"Nothing can be done. The doctor has just told me to rest and let the recovery happen. Now, it depends on me on how fast I recover. I am very positive about working on my fitness and try to get fitter. I want to be in a great frame of mind before returning on the field," Yuvraj said.
In his absence, Gautam Gambhir has been named the vice-captain of the team and Yuvraj feels it is a reward for the opening batsman's hard work.
"Gautam has earned his cricket and worked really hard. There were always apprehensions about his not performing against big teams. He has proved everybody wrong and become the No 1 Test batsman. I am very proud of him as a team-mate," he said.
India will open its Champions Trophy campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday and Yuvraj could not hide his disappointment of not being a part of the high-voltage encounter.
"Because we were starting our campaign in the tournament with a match against Pakistan, the atmosphere would've been really good and charged up. The intensity of the team would also be really high so would've been great to be a part of the team," he said.
