Yuvraj Singh (Source:@/tfgaurav_12,x.com)
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, known for his explosive batting and game-changing all-round performances, celebrates his 43rd birthday today. Born on December 12, 1981, in Chandigarh, Yuvraj hails from a sports-oriented Punjabi family.
It is important to mention that, Yuvraj Singh's contribution to cricket has been remarkable and can't be overlooked over the course of his career. He became one of the most reliable middle-order batters for India as he delivered crucial knocks in high-pressure situations.
So, today as he celebrates his special day, let's reflect on his illustrious career that spanned nearly two decades and saw him become one of India's most beloved and impactful limited-overs players.
Yuvraj Singh's Remarkable Debut
Yuvraj Singh made his debut for India in the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy. In his first game against Australia in Indian colours, he made an instant impact right there, having scored 84 runs at a fluid pace, taking only 80 deliveries. From there, the rest, as we all know, is history.
A distinguished career, which lasted for 17 years from 2000 to 2017, Yuvraj played a total of 402 international matches, and made 11,778 runs across all three formats. His average of 35.05 and a strike rate of 83.74 in 50-over format clearly highlight his consistency and dominance.
Besides his career in batting, he has played a significant role with his incredible contribution with the ball. In 304 ODIs, he has played for India, he has taken 111 wickets with an average of 38.68 and an economy of 5.10.
It is important to mention that Yuvraj was not as successful a player in Test as he was in ODIs or T20Is. In the longest format of the game, he has played 40 matches and made 1900 runs with a strike rate of 57.97 and an average of 33.92.
Yuvraj Singh's Major Career Milestones
In addition to Yuvraj's individual brilliance, he played a crucial role in India's triumphs in major tournaments. His match-winning contributions in India's historic 2007 ICC T20 World Cup victory and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup were remarkable. His ability to rise to the occasion in big moments set him apart from other players.
2007 T20I World Cup
Yuvraj Singh was a part of the Indian squad that won the inaugural 2007 T20I World Cup by beating Pakistan in the final. Yuvraj was awarded the Player of the Tournament for his contributions to India’s trophy-winning campaign. He also made headlines after smashing six sixes against Stuart Broad when India played England in the tournament.
Yuvraj Singh In World Cup 2011
Yuvraj Singh delivered a remarkable performance during the 2011 ODI World Cup. He was awarded the Player of the Tournament title for his impressive 362 runs and 15 wickets in the mega event.
In 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj Singh made several records. One such record he achieved was that he became only the second player in history to score over 300 runs and take 15 wickets in a single World Cup.
Yuvraj Singh's Battle With Cancer
Yuvraj Singh's career, however, was not without its challenges. In 2012, he was diagnosed with cancer, and after a remarkable battle, he made a triumphant return to international cricket.
In 2011, after a series of remarkable performances in the World Cup, Yuvraj was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer. But with true reliance and strength, the ex-cricketer bravely fought back against the deadly disease.
He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called mediastinal seminoma, which affects the tissues in the chest between the lungs. After being diagnosed with this, Yuvraj underwent chemotherapy in Boston.
The Dusk Of His Career
Despite this, he made a significant comeback in 2012, but after his recovery, he could not contribute much to international cricket. However, he was given several chances and played few memorable knocks, one against England in 2017. He made 150 runs in 127 balls, and several fans and followers believed that this was the return of Yuvraj Singh.
But honestly, after his cancer recovery, the original Yuvraj could not return. And finally the legend decided to retire in 2019, but it would not be wrong to say that his influence on the game is still felt, and his impact on Indian cricket remains profound.
As one of his generation's most successful limited-overs cricketers, his legacy is still known and will be remembered for his skill, perseverance, and ability to perform under pressure.