Yuvraj Singh https://www.cricketwinner.com Yuvraj Singh Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:45:17 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA[Andrew Flintoff admits crossing the line with Yuvraj Singh during 2007 T20 World Cup; India legend’s response goes viral]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/andrew-flintoff-admits-crossing-the-line-with-yuvraj-singh-during-2007-t20-world-cup-india-legend-s-response-goes-viral/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/andrew-flintoff-admits-crossing-the-line-with-yuvraj-singh-during-2007-t20-world-cup-india-legend-s-response-goes-viral/ Fri, 24 Oct 2025 20:35:26 GMT

Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, has revisited one of the most unforgettable moments in T20 cricket history — his heated exchange with India’s Yuvraj Singh during the 2007 T20 World Cup.

That confrontation became legendary after Yuvraj responded by smashing Stuart Broad for six consecutive sixes in the following over, a moment that changed the course of the match and etched his name in cricketing folklore.

Reflecting on the incident, Flintoff admitted that his words in the heat of the moment might have gone too far. He acknowledged that his provocation fueled Yuvraj’s fiery counterattack, which left England stunned. Flintoff described the moment as both humbling and memorable, admitting that it taught him how emotions can quickly shift the dynamics of a game.

See Also: Tilak Varma shares 5 key insights during recent chat show amid AUS vs IND 2025 series

Andrew Flintoff Recalls One of The Most Unforgettable Moments With Yuvraj Singh:

Flintoff shared the story during an episode of ‘Beard Before Wicket’, where he reflected on the iconic incident involving Yuvraj Singh. He admitted that his aggressive comments during the exchange might have crossed a line and ultimately triggered Yuvraj’s legendary six-hitting display that stunned cricket fans worldwide.

He recalled, “ So with Yuvraj, we used to go at each other. But it was always in the best intentions and fun. And I think he is brilliant, he is a good lad. And then in that World Cup game against India, my ankle had gone. I thought it was my last game. I was angry and I crossed the line.”

He further said, “ It’s one of the few times in my career I did I think. And then he hit Stuart Broad for six sixes. It should have been me. I was fielding on the boundary after the first one he was looking at me like that. I go oh here we go. And then the second one, he was looking for me again. By the fifth one I wanted him to do it (big laugh).”

Responding to Andrew Flintoff’s honest recollection, Yuvraj Singh took to social media with a lighthearted reply, calling him a “Legend” followed by a laughing emoji. His reaction perfectly captured the friendly spirit and nostalgia surrounding one of cricket’s most unforgettable moments from the 2007 T20 World Cup.

India’s One of the Most Thrilling Contests Against England:

The 2007 T20 World Cup clash between India and England in Durban was a must-win game for India after their defeat to New Zealand. Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag gave the team a strong start before Yuvraj Singh walked in, already fired up by Andrew Flintoff’s heated banter.

What followed became one of cricket’s most iconic moments. Facing Stuart Broad in the 19th over, Yuvraj smashed six consecutive sixes, completing a stunning 12-ball half-century — the fastest in T20I history at that time. His record stood unbroken for 16 years until Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee surpassed it in 2023.

Yuvraj Singh’s explosive hitting lifted India’s total from 171 to 207 in a single over, eventually guiding them to 218 and an 18-run win. While Herschelle Gibbs had earlier achieved six sixes in an ODI, Yuvraj’s feat stood out for its timing, intensity, and the high-pressure World Cup stage.

Flintoff’s later admission of going overboard with his words and Yuvraj’s humorous social media reaction gave fans a refreshing look into the respect and banter shared between the two. Their exchange remains a defining chapter in cricket history, capturing the perfect mix of emotion, rivalry, and sporting brilliance.

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<![CDATA[Watch: Prabhsimran Singh's practice video with Yuvraj Singh after scoring century for India A]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/prabhsimran-singh-s-practice-video-with-yuvraj-singh-after-scoring-century-for-india-a/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/prabhsimran-singh-s-practice-video-with-yuvraj-singh-after-scoring-century-for-india-a/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:06:36 GMT

Another emerging cricket talent is blooming under Indian cricket legend Yuvraj Singh. The emerging talent is known other than Prabhsimran Singh, who recently hammered a match-winning 102-run knock against the Australia A team for a winning cause. It was a commendable victory for India A, chasing a target of 317 runs.

Prabhsimran played his quickfire innings, maintaining a strike rate of 150.00 against 68 balls. His innings was laced with eight 4s and seven 6s. Cricket fans across social media platforms praised the top-order batter for the power-packed batting display. A day after the India A vs. Australia A unofficial one-day match, a video of the top-order batter has started to surface on Instagram. The video is all about the preparations of Prabhsimran Singh and how he keeps himself ready for the matches.

Through this video we can see how Yuvraj Singh is guiding the batter. The former international is seen instructing the Punjab-born during the net session. It is now well known that Yuvraj has been working as a mentor and coach for multiple talented Indian batters, including Abhishek Sharma, Priyansh Arya, and Prabhsimran Singh. 

Read More: Heart-warming Act by Riyan Parag, Donates Cricket Jerseys for Shelter Animals

Yuvraj Singh helped Prabhsimran Singh to develop more

Prabhsimran's IPL 2025 was remarkable. He was one of the key instruments to guide Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final of the tournament, where they lost against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Singh has been with PBKS since IPL 2019. 2025 proved to be his best campaign for the franchise.

In 17 matches and 17 innings, the right-handed batter accumulated 549 runs at a batting average of 32.29, including four well-controlled half-centuries. Against Australia A team, he scored a century and a half-century as well in Kanpur. 

Watch the training session here

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<![CDATA[‘Not consistent in IPL and…’- Abhishek Sharma reveals Yuvraj Singh’s advice inspired him]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/not-consistent-in-ipl-and-abhishek-sharma-reveals-yuvraj-singh-s-advice-inspired-him/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/not-consistent-in-ipl-and-abhishek-sharma-reveals-yuvraj-singh-s-advice-inspired-him/ Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:47:01 GMT

India’s young opening batter, Abhishek Sharma, has done incredibly well in the last couple of seasons of the IPL. However, this was not the case during the first few editions of the tournament. After being recently awarded the Player of the Tournament for the Asia Cup 2025, Sharma revealed how Yuvraj Singh, the former World Cup-winning cricketer, inspired him to realize his potential. 

Abhishek looked back at the time when Yuvraj Singh had predicted that the Punjab-born player would be prepared to feature for the national side within the next two years. In the few seasons of the IPL, omission from the IPL eleven broke their confidence a bit.

See Also: [WATCH] Suryakumar Yadav recreates Rohit Sharma's T20 World Cup 2024 celebration after Asia Cup 2025 win

“I am very grateful. During the lockdown, we would have camps at his place. Me, Shubman, Prabhsimran, Anmolpreet. Basically, I needed it. We were going on a flight and I asked him if we could have a camp for a few days. He said yes right away. I was struggling a bit at that time, honestly.” Abhishek revealed during a new episode on Breakfast with Champions.

Abhishek Sharma recalls how Yuvraj Singh inspired him to earn success for India

In the first four seasons, Abhishek couldn’t cross the 100-run mark in the IPL. But in 2022, he clubbed 426 runs in 14 innings, while across the last two editions, the left-handed batter cracked over 900 runs in 29 innings at an average of 30+ and a strike rate of nearly 200 with five fifties and one century.

“I was not consistent in the IPL, and I was not even in the playing XI. Shubman was already playing for India. I started feeling that I was behind, as people from my age group were doing well already. We were having lunch at his place, and paaji told me straight away that he was not preparing me for the state.” The 25-year-old addressed during the same interaction.

“He told me I am making you ready to win games for India. Write this, and it will happen in the next two to three years. After that camp, I realized my goal is something else.” Abhishek Sharma concluded.

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<![CDATA[“Even If I Fail, I’ll Still Play Next Match” – Abhishek Sharma Reveals Suryakumar Yadav’s Promise to Him]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/even-if-i-fail-i-ll-still-play-next-match-abhishek-sharma-reveals-suryakumar-yadav-s-promise-to-him/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/even-if-i-fail-i-ll-still-play-next-match-abhishek-sharma-reveals-suryakumar-yadav-s-promise-to-him/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:53:54 GMT

India’s star batsman Abhishek Sharma played brilliantly in the Asia Cup 2025 and finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer. He impressed everyone with his batting and was also named Player of the Series. After the Asia Cup, Abhishek spoke about Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav. He shared how much Surya trusts him. Abhishek’s statement has created a lot of discussion.

Abhishek Sharma’s Rise in Asia Cup 2025

The left-handed batter, who was named Player of the Tournament for scoring 314 runs in the eight-team Asia Cup 2025, made his debut for India last year in the series against Zimbabwe after the T20 World Cup. However, success did not come consistently for the 25-year-old, as he continued to score low in some matches.

During a talk with Gaurav Kapur on Breakfast With Champions, Abhishek revealed how a message from Suryakumar Yadav helped him become a better player.

“When I got selected in the Indian team, I got out early in 3-4 innings against Bangladesh. He told me, ‘You're such an important player for me that even if you get out for 15 ducks, you will still play the next game. I can give it to you in writing.’ I asked him, ‘Paaji, are you sure?’” said Abhishek. “It was a big deal that the captain was saying this. He told me, ‘Get out as many times, you’ll still play.’ One thing became clear to me: if I want to do well and make a name for myself, I have to do something different.”

Despite some recent struggles, Abhishek responded quickly. The left-handed opener scored a record-breaking century in India’s T20I series against England and has been performing consistently since then.

Learning from Yuvraj Singh and Suryakumar Yadav

Abhishek also spoke about Yuvraj Singh. He said, “A few years ago, Yuvraj Singh told me, ‘I’m not preparing you to win a cap for the state team, the IPL, or the country. I’m preparing you to win matches for India, I’m sure of that.’” Yuvi Pa had faith in him.

Abhishek’s ability to score big runs in the first six overs helps India take control of games. As India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav has always said that he will back players and give them extended chances.

India is preparing a strong core team for the T20 World Cup in 2026 to defend their title. Abhishek’s next challenge is to continue his good form in India’s upcoming white-ball series against Australia later this month.

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<![CDATA[Top 5 fastest fifty by an Indian in Men's T20Is vs Pakistan ft. Abhishek Sharma]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/top-5-fastest-fifty-by-an-indian-in-men-s-t20is-vs-pakistan-ft-abhishek-sharma/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/top-5-fastest-fifty-by-an-indian-in-men-s-t20is-vs-pakistan-ft-abhishek-sharma/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 19:55:07 GMT

The rivalry between India and Pakistan in T20I has provided many thrilling moments, as batters from either side have delivered under pressure. For India, many Indian stars made their names when they smashed quickly made fifty against their old rivals.

In the latest instance, Abhishek Sharma entertained fans in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 match by scoring the fastest fifty by an Indian against Pakistan in T20Is. His blitz of 24 balls helped India win the contest easily, in addition to breaking an old record.

Let’s now review the top five fifties scored by Indian men in T20Is against Pakistan.

5. Gautam Gambhir – 38 balls (2007 T20 World Cup Final, Johannesburg)

In the memorable 2007 T20 World Cup Final, Gautam Gambhir amassed a brilliant, gritty innings of 75 off 54 balls. As the opening batsman, he got to his fifty in just 38 balls vs the quality of the Pakistani bowlers.

Gambhir's innings, which included eight boundaries and two sixes, helped India get to 157 for 5. India would go on to scare the fans with a nervy finish, ultimately winning the first-ever T20 World Cup.

4. Virat Kohli – 36 balls (2022 Asia Cup, Dubai)

In the 2022 Asia Cup clash in Dubai against Pakistan, Virat Kohli showcased his class scoring a fluent 60 off 44 balls. He went to the fifty mark in 36 balls with a terrific six off Mohammad Hasnain.

Despite Kohli's brilliant innings, Pakistan chased down the target but his composure and timing throughout the innings caught everyone's attention.

3. Virat Kohli – 34 balls (2016 T20 World Cup, Kolkata)

In 2016 at Eden Gardens, Kohli once again showcased his run-chase mastery, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 37 balls leading India to a six-wicket win chasing 119.

Kohli got to his half-century in just 34 balls, mixing in elegant drives with a controlled aggression. Kohli was named Player of the Match, which only adds to his, now formidable, list of performances against Pakistan in big matches.

ALSO SEE: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 tickets: Know where and how to buy

2. Yuvraj Singh – 29 balls (2012, Ahmedabad T20I)

For a significant period, Yuvraj Singh had the record for India's fastest fifty against Pakistan in T20 internationals. He displayed his trademark hard-hitting style with a score of 72 runs off 36 balls during the opening game of the T20I series held in Ahmedabad in 2012, which consisted of four fours and seven sixes.

He reached the fifty mark after 29 balls with a six off Sohail Tanvir. Yuvraj's innings completely flipped the match in India's favour and, appropriately, he was awarded the Player of the Match title.

1. Abhishek Sharma – 24 balls (2025 Asia Cup, Dubai)

The most recent entry at number one on the list belongs to Abhishek Sharma. In the Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2025 held in Dubai, the young opening batsman unleashed havoc on the Pakistan bowling attack scoring 74 runs off 39 balls.

He reached his fifty in just 24 balls, which was 5 balls quicker than Yuvraj Singh's record hit 13 years prior. He brought up the half-century with a boundary off Saim Ayub, scoring at just under 190 for the innings.

India proved to be far too strong for Pakistan, scoring the 172 required to win in just 18.5 overs, with Abhishek Sharma rightly regarded as the Player of the Match for his courage and adventurous innings.

Abhishek Sharma now has his name alongside Kohli, Yuvraj, and Gambhir as one of the Indians to record the fastest T20I fifties against Pakistan

From Gambhir’s fifty in the 2007 World Cup final, when he made batting look easy amid the pressure of a World Cup, to Abhishek’s recent blitz at Hokar, Indian batters have performed well under pressure in important games against Pakistan. Each innings entertains fans and carries the weight of pressure and hype as we witness this timeless rivalry. 

With the emergence of players like Abhishek Sharma, along with the greats in Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli, the future of Indian batting against Pakistan looks more exciting than it has in a long time. 

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<![CDATA[[WATCH] 'Yuvi Paaji’s Six Sixes Inspired a Generation” – Indian stars share their memories ahead of Asia Cup 2025]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-yuvi-paaji-s-six-sixes-inspired-a-generation-indian-stars-share-their-memories-ahead-of-asia-cup-2025/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/watch-yuvi-paaji-s-six-sixes-inspired-a-generation-indian-stars-share-their-memories-ahead-of-asia-cup-2025/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:34:46 GMT

Recently, a video shared by cricket icon Yuvraj Singh brought back memories for many young Indian cricketers of the iconic moment he hit six sixes in an over during the 2007 T20 World Cup. The moment continues to inspire a new generation of cricketers who say they owe their love of the game to that moment.

Abhishek Sharma revealed, “The entire country knows that I was inspired by Yuvi Paaji when he helped India win the 2007 T20 World Cup and hit those six sixes. That was the moment when I got inspired and realized that I wanted to play for the country.” Similarly, Prabhsimran Singh shared, “Everyone knows about those six sixes he hit. That's the one memory I want to share from my side.”

All-rounder Abdul Samad added, “Yuvi Paaji's six sixes against England are everyone's favourite.” Nehal Wadhera, another batter, echoed the sentiment: “Yuvi Paaji, I can never forget the time when you hit six sixes off Stuart Broad.
I believe that was the moment when you made every Indian feel proud.”

A Moment That Lives Forever

Golfer Karandeep singh Kochhar recalled watching the feat as a child: “I still remember being a little kid, sitting at home and watching that wonderful moment. I remember the iconic Ravi Shastri commentary as well. I think it's a moment that will live on forever. When I still see that, like, four-five-minute highlight, you know, it's just such an inspiring moment still.”

Watch the video here

See Also: [WATCH] 'Tarikita Tarikita Dhom' – Shreya Ghoshal sings official song for Women’s World Cup 2025

Yuvraj Singh played for India in 40 Test matches, 304 One Day Internationals, and 58 T20 Internationals. In these formats, he has scored a cumulative total of 11,778 runs and has taken 148 wickets. He was a huge factor in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup win and also got the Player of the Tournament award in the 2011 ODI World Cup victory.

Yuvi Paaji's legendary innings keeps on inspiring not only his fans but also all the sportspeople that were amazed by it. It tells how, through one stunning event, a whole generation of people can be encouraged to set up high goals and work hard to get success in the field.

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<![CDATA[On This Day: When Yuvraj Singh hammered six 6s in an over against Stuart Broad]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/on-this-day-when-yuvraj-singh-hammered-six-6s-in-an-over-against-stuart-broad/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/on-this-day-when-yuvraj-singh-hammered-six-6s-in-an-over-against-stuart-broad/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:33:47 GMT

Probably it was the first time when a large number of people witnessed something like that. On September 19, 2007, Durban went absolutely wild. Headlines and sports pages described the heroics of Yuvraj Singh, which, to date, cricket fans remember.

In India vs England, ICC World Twenty20 2007/08, Yuvraj Singh smashed six 6s in a row against England's one of the best pacers, Stuart Broad. India went to bat first and got the start they were looking for. Both of the openers, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, scored half-centuries, a 136-run partnership in the opening stand.

India had the foundation; they needed to hold the momentum to create something big. The quick dismissal of Robin Uthappa provided oxygen to the England cricket team. Things started to get more intense when Andrew Flintoff uttered some words to Yuvraj Singh. Flintoff's memory game proved to be the worst move for England when the southpaw started to launch sixes one after another. Stuart Broad was not a part of the heated exchange between Yuvraj and Flintoff, but he felt the wrath of the batter as he was the next bowler after the incident. Broad was in disbelief; the crowd and the commentators were in disbelief at what they witnessed—6 sixes in 6 balls.

Read More: 'Yeah, we're ready for any challenge'- Pakistan captain ahead of India clash in Asia Cup 2025

Six 6s from Yuvraj Singh helped India to win the match

"I feel sorry for Stuart Broad, but it was only a matter of time before an over like that came around," said then the captain of England, Paul Collingwood. MS Dhoni, then the skipper of India, said, "Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) was amazing for the team. We got a score that was next to impossible." 

Yuvraj scored 58 runs against 16 deliveries. His innings was laced with three boundaries and seven over boundaries; India in 20 overs registered 218 runs. England fought brilliantly but could not get the target. India won the match by 18 runs.

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<![CDATA[Former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa summoned by ED: Know the reason why?]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/former-indian-cricketers-yuvraj-singh-and-robin-uthappa-summoned-by-ed-know-the-reason-why/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/former-indian-cricketers-yuvraj-singh-and-robin-uthappa-summoned-by-ed-know-the-reason-why/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:25:07 GMT

Former India cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa have been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with the allegedly illegal betting platform 1xBet. Uthappa is scheduled to appear before ED investigators on Monday, September 22, at the agency's Delhi headquarters, while Yuvraj will be questioned the following day.

According to a source, “Uthappa has been asked to appear before ED investigators at the agency’s Delhi headquarters on September 22, while Singh has been summoned on September 23.” The summons follows the recording of statements from retired Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina in the case.

Officials have stated that the investigation relates to alleged violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), with a focus on financial transactions linked to the banned betting platform. “Investigators believe promotional activities and financial trails tied to celebrities endorsing the brand could be crucial in establishing the app’s money flow,” a source added.

Roles of Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa

Both Yuvraj and Uthappa have appeared in promotional videos for 1xBet, and they are required to record their statements under the PMLA. Yuvraj made his international debut in October 2000 against Kenya. He played 40 Tests, 304 ODIs and 58 T20Is. He was the Player of the Tournament when India won the 2011 ODI World Cup and finished his international career with 11,778 runs and 148 wickets. He now spends his time playing golf with friends.

See Also: India to get new jersey sponsor till 2027 ODI World Cup with increased sponsorship price than Dream11

Uthappa, on the other hand, has played 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is, scoring 934 and 249 runs in that time, respectively. While he did not reach the heights that people expected him to on the international stage, he became an extremely good IPL batter, especially during his time with Kolkata Knight Riders. The 39-year-old currently works as a cricket expert, appearing on several pre-match and post-match shows.

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<![CDATA[‘They Were Always Backstabbers’ – Yuvraj Singh’s Father Makes Stunning Remark on Virat Kohli’s Captaincy]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/they-were-always-backstabbers-yuvraj-singh-s-father-makes-stunning-remark-on-virat-kohli-s-captaincy/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/they-were-always-backstabbers-yuvraj-singh-s-father-makes-stunning-remark-on-virat-kohli-s-captaincy/ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 22:00:17 GMT

Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, spoke against Virat Kohli when asked if Kohli as captain, could have helped Yuvraj play longer. Yograj said many players were scared that Yuvraj would take their place.

Yuvraj played for India for 15 years. He was not in the team at times in 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017. Kohli became India’s captain in white-ball cricket in early 2017. That year, Yuvraj played only eight ODIs under Kohli and was then dropped from the team for good.

Yograj Singh Criticizes Backstabbers in Cricket

Responding to whether Virat Kohli could have helped Yuvraj Singh during his captaincy, Yograj Singh told Inside Sport: “As I said, there are no real friends in the world of success, money, and fame. There were always backstabbers, people who wanted to put you down. People were scared of Yuvraj Singh because he could take their place. He was a great player made by God. He has been one of the greatest, and people, even MS Dhoni, were scared – thinking, ‘Oh, he might take my chair.’”

Kohli is one of India’s most successful captains. He has 135 wins in 213 matches across formats and helped India dominate Test cricket in the late 2010s, including leading India to their first series win in Australia in 2018/19.

See Also -Tamim Iqbal brings former and current players together in CWAB revival

Yuvraj Singh’s Big Role in India’s ICC Wins

Playing under MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh played a key role in India’s World Cup successes. He scored important runs in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and helped India end their long World Cup drought.

In the 2011 ODI World Cup at home, Yuvraj was the Player of the Tournament. He scored 362 runs in nine matches, with four half-centuries and a century. He also took 15 wickets at an average of 25.13 and an economy of 5.02. Yuvraj did not play in the 2015 ODI World Cup. He ended his international career with 11,778 runs and 148 wickets in 402 matches.

 

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<![CDATA['Backstabbers Everywhere' – Yuvraj Singh's father opens up on his career struggles]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/backstabbers-everywhere-yuvraj-singh-s-father-opens-up-on-his-career-struggles/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/backstabbers-everywhere-yuvraj-singh-s-father-opens-up-on-his-career-struggles/ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:20:09 GMT

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, launched a sharp criticism when asked if Virat Kohli’s captaincy could have helped Yuvraj extend his career. Yograj believes that almost all of Yuvraj’s contemporaries were scared that he might take their spots in the team. Yuvraj had an illustrious 15-year international career, but he faced periods of being in and out of the Indian side, particularly in 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017.

Virat Kohli became India’s permanent captain in white-ball formats at the start of 2017. Despite this, Yuvraj played only eight ODIs under Kohli that season before being dropped permanently from the team. Yograj’s comments suggest that Kohli’s captaincy could not have changed the dynamics of fear and competition surrounding Yuvraj’s place in the side.

Speaking to Inside Sport, Yograj said, "As I told you, there are no friends in the sphere of success, money, and glory. There were always backstabbers, people who wanted to put you down. People were scared of Yuvraj Singh because they were afraid he would usurp their seats because he was such a great player created by the God Almighty. He has been the greatest of players, who they were scared of—right from MS Dhoni, everybody—'Oh,he might take my chair.'"

Yuvraj’s Career and Kohli’s Captaincy

Kohli is among India’s most successful captains, registering 135 wins in 213 matches across formats. During his captaincy, India excelled at Test cricket during the second half of the decade, including their first series win in Australia (2018/19)

See Also: UP T20 league hit by match-fixing scare bookie caught over ₹1 crore bribe attempt

Although Kohli had success as a captain, the fact that Yuvraj didn't play at all during that time shows the intense competition and inner workings of the team Yograj spoke of because talent was not always enough to secure a position on the Indian national team.

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