Few Indian cricketers have as much talent as Yuvraj Singh. Known as the “Prince of Indian Cricket”, Yuvraj’s career is a collection of brilliance, power and unforgettable memories. From hitting six sixes in an over to becoming the Player of the Tournament in the 2011 World Cup, he has created a legacy as one of India’s greatest limited-overs players. Apart from cricket, his life story also shows courage, as he fought and defeated cancer, returning to play at the highest level.
To know more about Yuvraj Singh’s debut, biography, journey, records and overall career, read this blog.
Yuvraj Singh was born on December 12, 1981, in Chandigarh to former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Shabnam Singh. His father played only one Test match for India but was determined to make his son a cricketer. Yuvraj has shown promise in several sports, including roller skating, where he won at the national level. However, Yuvraj took away his medal and pushed him towards cricket, declaring that cricket would be his sole focus from that day forward.
That strict parenting laid the foundation for Yuvraj’s future. By the time he was 15, he was travelling in crowded trains with a kitbag, avoiding comfort and getting bored with domestic cricket.
Yuvraj’s big breakthrough came in the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy (now the Champions Trophy). At just 18, he was included in the Indian team. In his second ODI against Australia, he scored 84 runs off 80 balls, and thwarted the bowling attacks of Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee. That fearless innings announced his arrival on the world stage.
He later made his Test debut against New Zealand in 2003, although his red-ball career never peaked. Yuvraj has also represented India in T20 internationals since 2007, and his contribution to India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2007 was historic.
When in form, Yuvraj could hit the ball as cleanly and long as anyone in the game. His ability to hit easy sixes made him one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket. Added to this, his sharp fielding and useful bowling, and Yuvraj was a complete limited-overs package.
Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 40 | 62 | 6 | 1900 | 169 | 33.92 | 3277 | 57.97 | 3 | 11 | 260 | 22 | 31 | 0 |
ODIs | 304 | 278 | 40 | 8701 | 150 | 36.55 | 9924 | 87.67 | 14 | 52 | 908 | 155 | 94 | 0 |
T20Is | 58 | 51 | 9 | 1177 | 77* | 28.02 | 863 | 136.38 | 0 | 8 | 77 | 74 | 12 | 0 |
FC | 139 | 221 | 18 | 8965 | 260 | 44.16 | – | – | 26 | 36 | – | – | 118 | 0 |
List A | 423 | 389 | 55 | 12663 | 172 | 37.91 | – | – | 19 | 78 | – | – | 132 | 0 |
T20s | 231 | 216 | 27 | 4857 | 83 | 25.69 | 3772 | 128.76 | 0 | 27 | 386 | 261 | 53 | 0 |
Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 40 | 35 | 931 | 547 | 9 | 2/9 | 2/20 | 60.77 | 3.52 | 103.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
ODIs | 304 | 161 | 5048 | 4294 | 111 | 5/31 | 5/31 | 38.68 | 5.10 | 45.4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
T20Is | 58 | 31 | 424 | 499 | 28 | 3/17 | 3/17 | 17.82 | 7.06 | 15.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
FC | 139 | – | 3408 | 1978 | 41 | 5/94 | – | 48.24 | 3.48 | 83.1 | – | 1 | 0 |
List A | 423 | – | 7083 | 6010 | 166 | 5/31 | 5/31 | 36.20 | 5.09 | 42.6 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
T20s | 231 | 130 | 1597 | 1989 | 80 | 4/29 | 4/29 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Yuvraj’s left-arm spin often came in handy, especially in white-ball cricket, where he took key wickets in the middle overs.
Soon after winning the 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj was diagnosed with a rare form of germ cell cancer in his lungs. It was a fatal blow, but he went to the USA for treatment and underwent chemotherapy. In April 2012, he returned home after completing treatment. By September 2012, he was back in the Indian team for the World T20 in Sri Lanka, in which he showed remarkable resilience.
This comeback inspired millions of fans around the world and Yuvraj became a symbol of hope for cancer patients. His foundation, “YouWeCan”, continues to spread cancer awareness and support patients.
Yuvraj Singh’s IPL career was filled with both glamour and struggle.
Yuvraj has always been one of the biggest attractions of the IPL due to his name, experience and match-winning ability.
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Yuvraj Singh married Bollywood actress and model Hazel Keech in November 2016. Their wedding took place in a grand ceremony attended by celebrities, cricketers and politicians. In 2022, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Orian.
His father, Yuvraj Singh, played a significant role in his career, often with tough love. Yuvraj’s bond with his mother, Shabnam Singh, is equally special. She stayed with him throughout his cancer treatment and comeback journey.
As of 2025, Yuvraj Singh’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million (₹330 crore). His wealth comes from:
Endorsements with global brands such as Puma, Pepsi, and Reebok.
His venture, YouWeCan Foundation, and business investments in fashion and health startups.
Yuvraj Singh will always be remembered as one of India’s greatest ODI and T20 cricketers. His brilliant stroke play, fearless attitude, and ability to excel in major tournaments defined his career. More importantly, his battle with cancer and return to cricket have made him a real-life hero off the field.
Young players often look to Yuvraj as an example of perseverance and determination. His six sixes in Durban and his performance in the 2011 World Cup will always be remembered in cricketing history.
From a sensational match in 2000 to becoming a pillar of the 2011 World Cup victory, to defeating cancer, Yuvraj’s journey has been extraordinary. He has given Indian cricket unforgettable memories and has remained a fan favorite even after retirement. His name will always be a symbol of courage and talent in Indian sports.