Introduction
Yuvraj Singh, born on December 12, 1981, in Chandigarh, India, is one of the most iconic cricketers to have played for India. Renowned for his powerful batting, especially his ability to hit sixes at will, Yuvraj also contributed significantly as a handy left-arm spinner. He was instrumental in India’s victories in both the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, earning him a place among cricket’s all-time greats. His battle with cancer and subsequent return to the sport has made him an inspirational figure both on and off the field.
Player Profile
| Player Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yuvraj Singh |
| Born | December 12, 1981, Chandigarh, India |
| Nickname | Yuvi |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Slow left-arm orthodox |
| Role | All-rounder |
| International Debut | |
| ODI Debut | October 3, 2000, vs. Kenya |
| Test Debut | October 16, 2003, vs. New Zealand |
| T20I Debut | September 13, 2007, vs. Scotland |
Career Statistics
Test Cricket
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score | Wickets | Bowling Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 40 | 1,900 | 33.92 | 3 | 11 | 169 | 9 | 60.77 | 2/9 |
ODI Cricket
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score | Wickets | Bowling Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 304 | 8,701 | 36.56 | 14 | 52 | 150 | 111 | 38.68 | 5/31 |
T20I Cricket
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score | Wickets | Bowling Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 58 | 1,177 | 28.02 | 0 | 8 | 77* | 28 | 17.83 | 3/17 |
Achievements and Milestones
- Six Sixes in an Over: Yuvraj became the first player to hit six sixes in an over in a T20 International during the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, achieving this feat against England’s Stuart Broad.
- 2011 ICC World Cup: He was the Player of the Tournament in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, scoring 362 runs and taking 15 wickets, helping India to lift the trophy after 28 years.
- Arjuna Award: Yuvraj was awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2012 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cricket.
- Padma Shri: He was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2014.
Hidden Facts
- Passion for Tennis and Roller Skating: Before choosing cricket as his profession, Yuvraj was a national-level roller skater and had a keen interest in tennis. He even won the National Under-14 Roller Skating Championship.
- Cancer Survivor: In 2011, Yuvraj was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (mediastinal seminoma). After undergoing chemotherapy in the United States, he made a successful return to international cricket in 2012.
- Charitable Work: Post his recovery, Yuvraj founded the “YouWeCan” foundation, which works towards spreading awareness about cancer and helping patients with their treatment.
Records and Legacy
- Fastest Fifty in T20Is: Yuvraj holds the record for the fastest fifty in T20 Internationals, scoring 50 runs off just 12 balls against England in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup.
- First All-Rounder to Score 300+ Runs and Take 15+ Wickets in a Single World Cup: During the 2011 ICC World Cup, Yuvraj became the first player to achieve this remarkable all-round feat.
- Key Player in India’s World Cup Wins: Yuvraj’s contribution to India’s triumphs in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup has cemented his place as one of India’s greatest match-winners.
Conclusion
Yuvraj Singh’s career is a testament to resilience, skill, and the spirit of never giving up. From his early days as a promising young talent to his emergence as a world-class all-rounder, Yuvraj has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. His achievements on the field, coupled with his courageous fight against cancer, have made him an icon and a role model for millions. Yuvraj’s legacy will be remembered not just for his cricketing exploits, but also for his contributions to society and his inspirational life story.
Sources
- ESPNcricinfo: Yuvraj Singh Player Profile
- CricketArchive: Yuvraj Singh Statistics
- ICC Official Website: Player Records
- Wisden Almanack: Indian Cricket History
- Image Source: pxfuel.com
