Yuvraj Singh: Career Profile of India’s World Cup Match-Winner

Early life and rise

Yuvraj Singh was born in Chandigarh in 1981 and played his domestic cricket for Punjab. He was part of India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning side in 2000 and made his one-day international debut later that year at the ICC KnockOut Trophy, where an aggressive innings against Australia announced a major new talent.

Playing style

A stylish left-hander, Yuvraj was known for his clean hitting, especially straight down the ground and over midwicket. He was also one of the sharpest fielders of his generation and bowled useful slow left-arm spin, which made him a valuable all-round presence in limited-overs cricket.

Career highlights

At the 2007 T20 World Cup in Durban he hit six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad, and he reached a fifty in just 12 balls in that match, the fastest in T20 internationals. He was an important part of India’s title-winning side at that tournament.

His finest achievement came at the 2011 World Cup, where he was named player of the tournament for a combination of runs and wickets as India won on home soil. Soon after, he was diagnosed with a tumour in his chest. He underwent treatment, returned to international cricket in 2012 and continued to play for several more years.

In all, he played 40 Tests, 304 one-day internationals and 58 T20 internationals, scoring 8,701 runs in the one-day format. He also played for several teams in the Indian Premier League, including Kings XI Punjab.

Legacy

Yuvraj retired from international cricket in June 2019. He is remembered as one of India’s greatest limited-overs players and for his courage in returning after illness. The totals above are as of the end of 2024.

Frequently asked questions

What is Yuvraj Singh famous for?

He hit six sixes in one over from Stuart Broad at the 2007 T20 World Cup and was player of the tournament at the 2011 World Cup.

How fast was Yuvraj Singh’s fifty at the 2007 T20 World Cup?

He reached fifty in 12 balls against England in Durban, the fastest in T20 internationals.

When did Yuvraj Singh retire?

He announced his retirement from international cricket in June 2019.