During the 2007 World Twenty20 match against England, Yuvraj Singh struck six sixes in a single over bowled by Stuart Broad, a performance never previously achieved in an international match between two teams holding Test status. This sequence solidified his reputation as a formidable middle-order left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler for the Indian national team.
Early Development
Born in 1981 in Chandigarh, Yuvraj Singh was the son of former cricketer Yograj Singh. Initially skilled in roller skating, he won the National Under-14 Roller Skating Championship before his father compelled him to focus exclusively on cricket. He attended DAV Public School and later graduated in commerce from DAV College, Panjab University. His formal progression began with the Punjab Under-16 squad in 1995, followed by a promotion to the Under-19 team where he recorded an unbeaten 137 against Himachal Pradesh. By 1999, his performance in the Cooch Behar Trophy, where he scored 358 runs in a single innings, marked him as a significant prospect.
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Singh made his international debut during the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, contributing 84 runs against an Australian attack led by Glenn McGrath. Over his career, which spanned from 2000 to 2017, he secured 7 Player of the Series awards in One Day Internationals. His performance in the 2011 World Cup was particularly notable; he scored 362 runs and took 15 wickets, becoming the first player to achieve a 5-wicket haul and a half-century in the same tournament match. He retired from all international formats on 10 June 2019.
Health and Recognition
In 2011, Singh received a diagnosis of a cancerous tumor in his left lung, necessitating chemotherapy in Boston and Indianapolis. He concluded treatment in March 2012 and returned to international cricket in September of that year. His athletic contributions earned him the Arjuna Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri in 2014. Additionally, he was recognized by FICCI as the Most Inspiring Sportsperson of the Year in 2014. His IPL career included high-value contracts with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals.
Fast facts
- Born: 12 December 1981, Chandigarh
- International Debut: 2000
- Retirement: 10 June 2019
- Arjuna Award: 2012
- Padma Shri: 2014
- Spouse: Hazel Keech
- Children: Orion, Aura
Questions readers ask
Did Yuvraj Singh play in all formats of international cricket?
Yes, he played in all formats, including Test matches, ODIs, and Twenty20 Internationals.
What record did Yuvraj Singh set against England in 2007?
He hit six sixes in one over and scored a 50 in 12 balls, the fastest half-century in T20 international history at that time.
