Yuvraj’s journey to cricketing stardom began with the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007. India’s memorable victory over Pakistan in the final was embellished by Yuvraj’s dazzling sixes that left spectators in awe. His fearless approach and ability to clear the boundaries were instrumental in India’s success.
Yuvraj’s crowning moment came in the 2011 Men’s ODI World Cup. He was not only a significant contributor but also the Player of the Series. His all-round abilities, combining explosive batting with crucial wickets, made him an indispensable figure in the Indian squad.
However, Yuvraj’s journey was not without its share of trials and tribulations. Soon after the 2011 World Cup, he faced a devastating diagnosis of cancer. This diagnosis sidelined him from the cricketing arena while the world moved on. It was a time of immense personal and physical struggle for Yuvraj.
Yuvraj Singh, known for his resilience on the field, displayed even greater resilience in life. He successfully battled cancer and emerged stronger than ever. His triumphant return to the cricket field was a testament to his unyielding spirit.
Following his recovery from cancer, Yuvraj scripted another chapter in his cricketing journey. He achieved his highest individual score in One Day Internationals (ODIs), a remarkable 150 runs. This innings was a reflection of his unwavering determination and unquenchable thirst for the game.
While Yuvraj Singh is celebrated as one of India’s finest all-rounders, there are untold stories that add depth to his cricketing narrative. Yuvraj opened up about these anecdotes during an engaging conversation on ‘The Ranveer Show,’ hosted by podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia.
Yuvraj disclosed that his father initially aspired for him to become a fast bowler. However, it was the astute intervention of the late Bishan Singh Bedi that redirected his focus towards batting and spin bowling. This pivotal shift in his approach paved the way for his dynamic career.
Yuvraj shared, “My father wanted me to become a fast bowler, but I broke my back when I was 14. I used to train at Bishan Singh Bedi camp, and there, he noticed I had more potential as a batter and not a fast bowler. He asked me to prioritise my batting and focus on spin bowling. My father didn’t really like the idea, but when he got to know about my back problem, he was fine with it. Then I started doing wicketkeeping. My dad was totally against it; that is why I am doing wicketkeeping. He didn’t want me to catch the balls as others bowled; he wanted me to bowl.”
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Yuvraj’s journey had its share of twists. He revealed how he ventured into wicketkeeping, a decision his father vehemently opposed. Yuvraj’s father preferred him to bowl rather than catch the balls as a wicketkeeper. His father’s vision was of a 150kph fast bowler with 1000 wickets and 10,000 to 20,000 runs, a vision that clashed with his aspirations.
Yuvi added, “His thought process was completely different. He wanted me to bowl at 150kph, and pick 1000 wickets, score 10,000 to 20,000 runs.”
Yuvraj Singh’s illustrious career spanned all three formats of the game. He represented India with distinction and etched his name in cricketing history with match-winning performances and memorable contributions. Yuvraj’s retirement from the sport in 2019 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire budding cricketers.
