Yuvraj Singh has been one of India’s best limited-overs players of all-time. Known for his six-hitting ability, Yuvraj was a mainstay in the Indian middle-order for a majority of his international career. The Southpaw played a decisive role in two of India’s World Cup-winning titles in 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 Cricket World Cup. His lower-order partnerships with MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina played an impactful role in winning games from some unimaginable situations. While Yuvraj has given his fans countless memories to cherish, we take a look at 5 best cricketing moments in Yuvraj Singh’s international career:
5. Yuvraj announces his arrival with a crucial 84-run knock on debut vs Australia in Knockout Trophy
A 19-year old Yuvraj Singh made his India debut against Australia in the ICC Knockout Trophy Quarter-Final at Nairobi in 2000. Batting at five, Yuvraj not only weathered the storm against Australian quicks but even shepherd India’s first innings total with a catchy 84 in his debut innings. After losing a couple of early wickets, India was reeling at 90 for 3 when the Punjab-born lad walked in to announce his arrival at the big stage.
Moreover, India managed to topple the favourites Australian team by 20 runs. It was courtesy of Yuvraj’s efforts that India posted a total of 265. For his 80-ball 84, Singh was awarded the Man of the match in his debut appearance for India.
4. Scores his highest ODI score vs England in 2017
After going through a life-threatening phase during 2011-12, Yuvraj Singh fought like a warrior to stage an India comeback. In 2017, Yuvraj scored his highest individual score of 150 against England in Cuttack. The left-handed batsman turned back the pages with an iconic 156-run stand with MS Dhoni. It was one of Yuvraj’s best ODI innings made upon his return to the ODI format.
3. Creates history with six 6s against Stuart Broad in T20 World Cup 2007
The T20 World Cup in 2007 is remembered for a lot of things that happened for the first time in international cricket. However, nothing was more iconic than Yuvraj’s six 6s against Stuart Broad at Durban in 2007. In the 19th over of the Indian innings, Yuvraj clobbered broad to accumulate 36 runs off his six deliveries. Meanwhile, he also brought up the fastest T20I fifty off just 12 balls. The innings will remain etched forever in the history of T20 World Cups.
2. Natwest Series Final 2002
If his ODI debut against Australia exemplified his catchy strokeplay, the Natwest Series Final against England in 2002 displayed Yuvraj’s grown maturity. After wickets fell in heaps, Yuvraj, along with Mohammad Kaif, steered India to one of the most memorable chases in ODI cricket. Chasing 326 for victory, and with all hopes lost, Yuvraj displayed another facet of his game by scoring a situational 69-ball 63. The left-hander was involved in a crucial 121-run stand with Kaif for the sixth wicket and played his part in scripting one of India’s most iconic away wins.
1. Player of the Series – 2011 Cricket World Cup
While speculations surrounded Yuvraj Singh’s doubtful inclusion in India’s World Cup 2011 squad, the Punjab-born played ended up being the ‘Most valuable player’ for the Indian team in the entire tournament. He delivered both with bat and ball and conquered every challenge that was thrown at him. The prolific all-rounder scored 362 runs including a century and four fifties in just nine matches. He was Dhoni’s go-to man claiming 15 wickets in the tournament. He was India’s rescue man and was fittingly declared as the ‘Player of the Series’ in a triumphant campaign for the home team.
