Yuvraj Singh Turns 42: On left-handed cricket all-rounder’s birthday, check out his top 5 performances in international cricket, records set by him, and his love story with wife Hazel Keech.
Read More:-IPL 2024 Auction Final List: 214 Indians and 119 Overseas Stars Set to go Under the Hammer
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUVRAJ SINGH: When Yuvraj Singh first emerged in the international arena in the early 2000s, there were few could match the flamboyance of the left-handed all-rounder. It was his grit and passion for the game that set Yuvraj apart from the other players of his generation. Courtesy of his roaring performance in domestic cricket, Yuvraj did not take much time to hog the limelight. He donned the Indian kit for the first time against Kenya during the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy (now Champions Trophy).
Yuvraj was a crucial component of the MS Dhoni-led side, which lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup title in 2007. The Southpaw also had a memorable outing in the triumphant 2011 ODI World Cup. He was named the Player of the Tournament due to a top-notch performance with both bat and ball. Today, on December 12, Yuvraj celebrates his 42nd birthday. On this special occasion, let’s take a look at the top five moments of his international career:
Read More: Rishabh Pant All Set To Lead Delhi Capitals In IPL 2024: Report
Yuvraj Singh’s Top 5 Moments in International Career
84 RUNS VS AUSTRALIA, ICC KNOCKOUT TROPHY 2000
Yuvraj Singh could raise eyebrows with his performance in the debut international tournament– the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy. In the first Qualifier of the multi-nation event, Yuvraj smashed 84 runs against Australia, a knock that comprised as many as 12 boundaries. Thanks to his blistering show, India posted 265 runs on the board and eventually won the match by 20 runs.
6 SIXES IN AN OVER, T20 WORLD CUP 2007
When Yuvraj smashed 6 sixes in an over off English pacer Stuart Broad, it was perhaps an unimaginable feat in the global circuit. Several players have achieved the milestone later. But Yuvraj’s thunderous show still remains fresh in the minds of every cricket fan.
Read More: BCCI Net Worth Valued 28 Times More Than Cricket Australia; Reports
MATCH-WINNING PARTNERSHIP WITH SACHIN TENDULKAR, CHENNAI TEST, 2008
During his initial days, Yuvraj was recognised as a white-ball specialist. But the notion was broken in 2008 when the all-rounder helped India triumph over England in a nervy Test in Chennai. The hosts had to chase 387 runs in the fourth innings. Yuvraj came in to bat after his team went four wickets down at 224 runs. He racked up a 163-run partnership with Sachin Tendulkar to seal the deal.
NATWEST SERIES FINAL, 2002
Yuvraj Singh deserves much credit for India’s historic win in the 2002 NatWest Series final at the Lord’s. In reply to England’s mammoth 325 runs, the Men in Blue were struggling at 146/5 when Yuvraj took over the charge along with Mohammad Kaif. The duo contributed 121 runs to the scoresheet, with Yuvraj scoring 69 runs off 63 balls. Kaif was named the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 87-run knock.
Read More: WPL 2024: Check Full Squads of All 5 Franchises After the Players’ Auction
PLAYER OF THE SERIES, ICC ODI WORLD CUP 2011
Yuvraj Singh was unquestionably one of the talking points of the 2011 ODI World Cup, where India became the champions. The Indian all-rounder aggregated a total of 362 runs at the showpiece event, while also taking 15 wickets. The unparalleled performance helped Yuvraj secure the Player of the Tournament award.
Yuvraj Singh’s Top Records In International Cricket
- Yuvraj Singh is the youngest Indian to register a fifty in an ICC ODI event. He was only 18 years old when Yuvraj played a blistering knock of 84 runs against Australia at the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy.
- In that T20 World Cup match where Yuvraj whacked 6 sixes in an over, the Indian all-rounder scripted another history. He had completed his half-century in just 12 balls. The records remained unbeaten until Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee slammed a 9-ball fifty at the 2023 Asian Games.
- Yuvraj is the only player in history to record 300-plus runs and 15 wickets in a single ODI World Cup. The Indian star achieved the feat during the 2011 campaign on home soil.
- In 2017, Yuvraj stitched a 256-run stand with his best buddy MS Dhoni against England. It is the second-highest fourth-wicket partnership in history. The duo joined hands when India were reeling at 25/3. Yuvraj put up an enthralling show, scoring 150 runs off 127 deliveries, which also tops among his ODI knocks.
- Especially known for his power-packed batting, Yuvraj is the fifth-highest six-hitter for India in the shortest format, following Rohit Sharma, Viral Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul. During his illustrious career, Yuvraj smashed 74 maximums in 58 T20Is.
Read More: Virat Kohli Can’t Break Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 Centuries Record, Reckons Brian Lara
Love Story With Wife Hazel Keech
Yuvraj Singh’s relationship with his spouse Hazel Keech began on the set of a promotional shoot. The pair stayed good friends until 2015 when Yuvraj proposed to Hazel in a filmy way during a trip to Bali. A year later, the couple tied the knot in a private ceremony, only attended by their close friends and relatives. Yuvraj and Hazel are now proud parents to two beautiful kids– son Orion and daughter Aura.
