Yuvraj Singh

Profile

India witnessed the birth of golden boy Yuvraj Singh when, as a teenage sensation fresh off an Under-19 World Cup triumph, he scored a match-winning 84 on international debut to topple Australia in the ICC Knockout Trophy in 2000. Laying in limbo between 'raw talent' and 'finished article', the youngster successfully walked the tightrope and delivered when given his chance. 

The southpaw's ability to stand and dictate proceedings was reminiscent of South African ace Lance Klusener. The combination of grit and flair stood out even in a team that oozed with batting finesse. His fielding proficiency, particularly while deployed at point and his ability to roll his arm over effectively made his value shoot up exponentially.

His winning mentality became contagious very quickly. An early example of this was showcased when India were down 146-5 while chasing a mammoth 325 in the 2002 NatWest final. Along with Mohammad Kaif, “Yuvi” crafted one of India's most famous ODI victories to cease a spree of nine consecutive finals defeats, flagging the changing tides for Indian cricket. He later played a key role in India's 2003 World Cup run and by 2006; he was already one of the world's finest in limited overs. He did get Test opportunities - often trading places with Sourav Ganguly, owing to both players' inconsistent displays - but failed to replicate his ODI efficacy. Following the 2007 World Cup disappointment, he championed young India’s restoration by leading the charge in the famous win at the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in the same year. Six sixes off a Stuart Broad over against England will be fondly remembered as one of the best innings of his career. Yuvi reached the pinnacle of his career in 2011 when he was adjudged Man of the Series in the ICC Cricket World Cup and became the foremost contributor to India’s much awaited WC win in 28 years.

Yuvi was diagnosed with an unfortunate, rare germ cancer that kept him out of action for more than a year immediately after the World Cup. However, India’s favourite son staged an inspirational comeback as he recovered in time ahead of the 2012 World Twenty20 and was included in the T20I squad for the New Zealand series as well.

Fast Facts

• Yuvraj Singh won a gold medal in skating in his childhood.
• He has also lent his voice in a Hindi cartoon film titled Jumbo.
• Yuvraj jointly holds a record of hitting six sixes in an over in International cricket with Herschelle Gibbs.

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Career

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