Yuvraj Singh: A gladiator and a true inspiration

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.