Overcoming cancer of any kind is considered to be an unparalleled achievement. Recovering from the deadly disease and returning to international sport within the span of a year is virtually unheard of. Yuvraj Singh managed to achieve that inspiring feat.
During the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, the Player of the Tournament began to complain of an intense cough and vomiting. He then opted out of the tour to the West Indies citing a lung infection. Yuvraj went to England but tests later revealed he was suffering from a rare form of cancer called mediastinal seminoma that affected the area between his lungs.
Yuvraj was fortunate that the disease was detected in the first stage. He underwent several rounds of chemotherapy in the US that rid him of the cancer. What was remarkable was how short a span of time the destructive cricketer took to return to match fitness. Even his most optimistic supporters were pleasantly surprised. He made an emotional comeback to the limited overs side just ahead of the ICC World T20. The marquee tournament saw him emerge as India’s most successful bowler.
A double century in the Duleep Trophy and an all-round performance against England in one of the warm-ups helped him make a comeback into the Test side where he is finally looking to cement a spot.