Yuvraj Singh: A gladiator and a true inspiration

Yuvraj Singh: A true inspiration

A person is successful and has the potential to achieve everything possible when he/she has the will and determination to fight adversity and triumph against of all odds. When we think of such people, many names crop in our minds. And one such name is that of Yuvraj Singh. He has been a shining example of grit, guts and positive attitude. He has not only been a champion performer for Team India but also has fought the biggest off-field battle by successfully recovering from cancer.

His contribution to the Indian Cricket Team, over a decade, has been outstanding and worth emulating. Our national team got a star all-rounder in him and he has proved to be a match winner for India on several occasions. Coming under limelight during Sourav Ganguly’s era and leadership, he matured as a player in no time and took India to victory in many nail biting encounters.

His contribution to Indian cricket team’s major triumphs has been praiseworthy. During his early days, Yuvraj was always involved in the game through his outstanding batting down the order and breath-taking run outs in the field. He, along with Mohammed Kaif, became India’s new finds in the fielding department. They both gave the team a major uplift on the field as they saved 20-30 runs for the side.

His impressive performances in the U-19 World Cup earned him a place in the national side. He was already an emerging star when he entered the side. His all-round performances brought him in focus. In the ICC Knockout Trophy, he earned a place in the team and played an impressive knock against the mighty Australians which helped India qualify for the finals.

He has always played major innings against the biggest teams whenever his side has been in major crisis. Talking about crisis, one cannot resist mentioning about the famous Natwest Series final, which cemented his place in the side. That innings was certainly a turning point in his cricketing career as he not only became an overnight star, but also gained respect of his senior players.

He came into bat when India looked in a spot of bother as half of the side had bundled out with the score around 150 while chasing a mammoth total of 326. Yuvraj, along with Mohammed Kaif, made full use of this opportunity and built that famous partnership which not only helped India win the match, but also brought two star players into prominence.

His innings of 69 showed his class as a player and his temperament in crucial situations and his zeal to perform for the team. His aggressive intent and his incomparable self belief earned him a place in India’s World Cup campaign in South Africa, 2003. He played some good knocks in the group stages against teams like Pakistan, Kenya and New Zealand but more importantly saved a lot of runs in the field by throwing himself every-time the ball came towards him which eventually led to India’s win in close matches and enable the team to book a berth in the finals against Australia.

His consistent performance against Pakistan in Pakistan and being the top run scorer in the home series against England made him a strong contender to lead the side in future. After India’s debacle in the World Cup 2007, he was one of the probable contenders to captain the side but he lost it to M.S.Dhoni because of his off-field easy going persona. But he did not let things affect him.The inaugural edition of the World T20 in South Africa was the first challenge that this young side had to cross under the leadership of M.S. Dhoni. But the stand out performer was yet again, Yuvraj Singh. Being a senior player, he rose to the occasion and raise the bar of his game. In India’s crucial match against England, he struck six consecutive sixes in an over and brought up his fifty in just 12 balls.

Yuvraj Singh plays a shot as South African wicketkeeper AB de Villiers looks on during the ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup’

His rich form continued in the semi final clash against Australia as he went on to play the match-changing knock of 70 of just 30 balls and helped his side to a comfortable win. The Indian team won the first edition of ICC World T20 owing to the heroics of Yuvraj Singh. In every major tournament that India has played, in the presence of Yuvraj Singh, his efforts have always proved to be more than valuable. His immense hard hitting ability, athletic fielding and the knack of breaking vital partnerships through his bowling has always helped the team win and defend major titles.

His heroic efforts on the field has never been doubted by anyone and he proved his credentials as a match-winner, again, when India lifted the World Cup in 2011. The tournament proved to be a dream run for him as he not only grabbed four ‘man of the match’ awards but also was adjudged the ‘Man of the Tournament’.

However, coming into the World Cup, his confidence was rock bottom and his position was under scrutiny but he delivered a performance that will always be remembered in the history of Indian cricket. Suffering from a major ailment, his will and eagerness to play for the side kept him moving in the right direction.

He was a different player in the World Cup. He worked hard to improve his fitness and looked completely fresh in his attitude. He scored 362 runs at an average of 113.66, which is the best for any player in a World Cup. He also picked up 15 wickets in the entire tournament at an impressive economy rate.

The thing that makes Yuvraj Singh a better player than his contemporaries is his belief in his abilities. He gives it a 100% in every match for India and raises his game when required. All his match winning innings have come when they were required the most. A complete team player and crisis man, Yuvraj, has fitted into every plan and strategy of the team. His contribution will always remain memorable as he delivers when the chips are down for the team.

But sadly for him and the entire nation, he was diagnosed with cancer just after his heroics in the World Cup. In his book, “The Test of my life”, he had mentioned that he had made a deal with God, a night before the World Cup finals. He had prayed for the World Cup in return of anything that God wanted. And just like his performances in the big tournaments, he proved to be the ultimate match winner as he fought off cancer through sheer determination and positive attitude.

There were instances where he couldn’t eat and work out properly, but he always kept his chin up and continued his lone fight against the disease. He showed immense courage and self belief while fighting the toughest battle of his life. He kept up his jovial attitude and never spoke about the problem with everyone.

Yuvraj Singh has, often, been criticized on several occasions because of his constant involvement with things outside cricket, his fitness issues and his casual attitude. But above all, he has always managed to rise to the occasion and let his game do all the talking for him. The Prince of Punjab has been a real-life Lion and he is truly an inspiration for each one of us.