Yuvraj Singh

There are very few better sights in world cricket than witnessing a free-flowing Yuvraj Singh at his best. Undoubtedly, he is right up there among the greatest match-winners in white-ball cricket. Those glorious cover drives, slap cuts through backward point and an effortless wristy drop kick over mid-wicket, all oozed class. His full repertoire was on display during his international debut that came in the 50-overs format against Australia in the 2000 Champions Trophy. It wasn't everyday that a batsman put the formidable Aussie attack to sword during that time and certainly not a rookie. Yuvraj had arrived with a bang and what instantly stood out apart from his batting, was the electric fielding skills. India's fielding was on an average level in that era and hence someone like Yuvraj came as a whiff of fresh air.

It was during the NatWest final in 2002 against England that his resolve to fight it out came to the fore as he stitched a vital stand with Mohammad Kaif to take India to glory. Post that, he became a vital cog in the ODI side for India. He combined with Rahul Dravid and then MS Dhoni to finish games at will. He though could not break into the Test team which was filled with legends. He got limited opportunities and he did shine in those but could not make the most of them.
His moment of real glory came in the major events. He was instrumental in India winning the 2007 World T20. His six sixes in an over to Stuart Broad are still being watched and nobody can forget the way he plundered the Australians for a 30-ball 70. His fielding proficiency, particularly when being deployed at point and his ability to roll his arm over effectively, made his value shoot up exponentially and was more than handy in the 2011 World Cup victory.

Life was to change post that as Yuvi was diagnosed with an unfortunate, rare germ cancer which 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 T20. Sporadic performances and injuries meant he was in and out of the side. He had a forgetful time in the 2014 World T20 final against Sri Lanka and was eventually shown the door. It looked like that was it on the international stage for the now-paunchy southpaw.

Going back to domestic cricket, he had a brilliant Ranji Trophy in 2016-17 which led to the national selectors going back to him. He was recalled into the squad for the ODIs against England and in the second fixture itself, he combined with his finishing partner Dhoni to add more than 200 runs and bail India out of trouble.