India’s Sixer King and two-time World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh has turned 38 today. From exhibiting miraculous performances for team India to fighting with cancer only to attain triumph both on and off the field, Yuvraj Singh’s story is an inspiring one.
The Southpaw played a vital role in both 2011 and 2007 World Cup, helping team India win both the tournaments. Who could forget his 6 sixes in an over against Stuart Broad in WT20 or his match-winning knock against Australia in 2011 World Cup Quarter-final game. Yuvraj Singh has played some amazing knocks in his International career. It has been absolutely a treat to watch the cricketer play till the time he is around.
On this special occasion, let’s revisit the top 5 knocks Yuvraj Singh has played in his career:
#1. 138 vs England, Rajkot, 2008
This knock is indeed Yuvraj Singh’s one of the special knocks at home. With Sehwag and Gambhir laid the foundation at the start, Yuvraj Singh blazed his way to take the total to 387 on the board. Yuvi scored unbeaten 138 off just 78 balls including 16 fours and a six. He scored this knock against a quality bowling unit of England. Rajkot’s hundred remained his fastest hundred and showcased his outstanding run at that time.
#2. 69 vs England, Natwest Final, 2002
Without a doubt, Yuvraj Singh’s knock in the Natwest final will be remembered for a long time. India were chasing 326 in the final of Natwest Trophy and to add to their woes lost its top-order early with Sehwag, Ganguly, Dravid, and Tendulkar, India all back to the dugout very early and were struggling at one stage. But then, Yuvraj Singh walked in and shifted the momentum in favour of India. He added 121 runs with Mohammed Kaif off 106 balls. Yuvraj Singh played a handy inning of 69 and this partnership helped India to clinch the historic Natwest Trophy in England.
#3. 84 vs Australia, Nairobi, ICC Knockout Tournament, 2000
Yuvraj Singh was new in the Indian side. He was playing his 2nd ODI of his career and his knock came against mighty Australian who were the World Champions. In only his second international game, Yuvraj was up against some of the mighty fast bowlers in Glenn McGrath, Bret Lee and Jason Gillespie. Young Yuvraj Singh struggled in the beginning but later, dominated the Australian attack. He scored brilliant 84 off just 80 balls to ensure India’s win who were losing back to back games against Australia.
#4. 70 vs Australia, Durban, WT20 Semi-final, 2007
Yuvraj Singh is popularly known for his 6 sixes against England in the Super-8 game of ICC World T20 but his most special knock came against Australia in the semi-final of the tournament. \
India were batting first and Yuvraj Singh walked in at number 4 in 8th over and in the next few overs, he humiliated the Australian attack with his attacking approach. This knock helped India to post a strong total and later, India emerged as the winner. Yuvraj Singh scored 70 runs off just 30 balls. India reached into the final where they beat Pakistan by 5 runs to win the first edition of World T20.
#5. 85 vs England, Chennai Test, 2008
Arguably, this should the best Test knock from Yuvraj Singh. India were chasing a big total of 387 against England in Chennai. It was a tough task to bat on the 5th day. India got some good start as Sehwag set the base with his attacking approach and Tendulkar crafted the chase with his brilliance but it was Yuvraj Singh who played the role of a finisher.
He scored a vital 85 not out and set a good partnership with Sachin to help India to cross the line. It was one of the highest successful chases by India in Tests.
