Yuvraj thanks "the prayers of my nation" on twitter

Yuvraj Singh, who is undergoing chemotherapy in the United States for cancer, has expressed gratitude to his fans, and has promised to make a stronger comeback.

The stylish southpaw has spoken for the first time since the news of his battle against cancer came out.

"I will fight and come back as a stronger man cause I have the prayers of my nation ! Thank you to the media for their support and respecting my privacy," Yuvraj wrote on Twitter.

"and of course everyday I look forward to come back and wear my india jersey my india cap and represent my country again jai hind," he tweeted.

Yuvraj, who is known to be a fighter, said: "I'm recovering well. Yes, its tough but tough times don't last tough men do !"

"Overwhelmed with the love and support people have given me, I feel joy in my heart that so many wishes. Will cure me!," he tweeted.

The 30-year-old left-hander has been in US since last month and is currently undergoing chemotherapy in the Cancer Research Institute in Boston. Wishes and prayers are pouring in from all corners of the world.

"I have read every tweet of every fan who has wished me watched all videos ! Seen how many prayers are said in temples ! I thank you all from the bottom of my heart," Yuvraj wrote on the micro-blogging site.

He also thanked the Indian Cricket Board for the support. "The president and members of BCCI have been a huge support in my tough times and because of them I'm getting the best treatment ! Thank you again bcci," he said.

Yuvraj, who is reading Lance Armstrong's autobiography for inspiration and is being treated by the same doctor who cured Armstrong's testicular cancer, is keen on meeting the legendary cyclist.

Yuvraj also defended his physio, Dr Jatin Chaudhary, who is being blamed for the delay in his treatment. "I see a lot of people blaming jatin chaudhary but he is at no fault he only tried to help it was my decision to go with alternative medicine," Yuvraj said.

On Monday, Yuvraj's doctors said that cricketer will resume training in ten weeks. Dr Nitesh Rohtagi, Yuraj's oncologist, said: "Association with the word cancer is negative. His condition is completely curable. He has got a rare type of seminoma."

Yuvraj's ailment was diagnosed at the first stage. "He is responding well to treatment. In fact the doctor keeps asking him if he belongs to a very strong bloodline," Yuvraj's father, former cricketer Yograj Singh, said on Monday afternoon.  "The doctor has told Yuvraj 'I will send you from here as a new champion and you will be stronger than before, a thing like this cancer won't exist for you anymore that is my promise'," Yograj Singh added.

Yuvraj's family has thanked the Indian Cricket Board for insisting that Yuvraj undergo further check-ups in the US. The board, said Yuvraj's father, had been like a father to his son.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has in a statement wished Yuvraj a speedy recovery and asked the media to "respect the privacy of his family". Sports Minister Ajay Maken tweeted on Sunday night, "Wish Yuvraj a speedy recovery! Asking officials to find the quantum and nature of help required. Government shld & will help him (sic)". There are many more tweets.

Yuvraj has played 37 Tests, scoring 1775 runs at an average of 34.80.

He has 8051 runs at an average of 37.62 from his 274-match ODI career, the highlight of which was his stellar role in India's World Cup triumph last year.