Yuvraj should not be crucified nor should he be written off: Tendulkar

'Knowing Yuvi's determination and ability to fight adversities, he will emerge stronger, proving his critics wrong, yet again.'

India's batting icon Sachin Tendulkar came out in support of Yuvraj Singh, who received a lot of his criticism for his batting failure against Sri Lanka in the final of ICC World Twenty20, in Dhaka, on Sunday.

Tendulkar pointed out that Yuvraj was crucial in India's victory in the T20 World Cup, in 2007, where he set a world record by hitting England pacer Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over.

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His all-round skills also proved vital in India's triumph in the 2011 World Cup, where the team beat Sri Lanka in the final at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

"All of us took pride in the heroics of Yuvi when we won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and his outstanding contribution in the ODI World Cup win in 2011 will always be cherished. Last evening, Yuvi had a tough day and he can be criticized. But he should not be crucified nor should he be written off," Tendulkar wrote on his Facebook page.

Following reports that Yuvraj's house in Chandigarh was pelted with stones after the six-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in the final, Tendulkar urged the fans to support the left-hander, just like they rally behind him when he does well.

"It is the unpredictable nature of the game that makes cricket such an exciting sport. As cricketers, we always enjoy the applause when we succeed, but it is the support and encouragement from fans, during tough times, that we appreciate the most," he wrote.

Tendulkar said he believes that Yuvraj, who overcame cancer in 2011, will bounce back from the latest disappointment and return stronger.

"I have been an admirer of Yuvi's indomitable spirit which has overcome many challenges, both on and off the field. Knowing Yuvi's determination and ability to fight adversities, he will emerge stronger, proving his critics wrong, yet again," he said.

He also had a special message for his former team mate and good friend: "Yuvi, one off day cannot undermine your tremendous contribution in many sweet memories over the years. You may be down today but you are far from being out."