Although Yuvraj Singh was one of the most popular crickets in India, he was not a certainty for the ODI World Cup team in 2011. In recent revelation, former head coach Gary Kirsten admitted that Yuvraj’s selection was the subject of an internal debate, with real doubts. Kirsten and the captain of the MS Dhoni, however, threw their weight for the charming left-leaf, which would go down as one of the best Indian cricket decisions.
India continued to win the 2011 World Championship and ended the 28 -year -old drought. The final, played at the WankHhed in Mumbai, saw India to defeat Sri Lanka with six goals. It was a proud moment for the nation and Yuvraj Singh played a central role in scripting this success.
Yuvraj was appointed a tournament player for his star versatile performance of 362 runs and used 15 goals. Behind these numbers, however, was the story of hard work and personal transformation. In an interview with Rediff.com, Kirsten was thinking about the impact of Yuvraj and said he had always used him when he was watching him, despite the occasional frustration.
“I have always been very happy to Yuvraj. Sometimes I frustrated hell of me, but I loved him. He was good. I just wanted him to keep running, because watching him was amazing,” Kirsten said.
Kirsten attributed the coach of the mental conditioning of Paddy Upton for playing a key role in the help of Yuvraj to prepare for tournament-physically and mentally.
“There was a way he had to walk and recognize Paddy. Paddy with Yuvi a lot of work to prepare him. Yuvi himself made some key decisions to prepare for the World Championship,” Kirsten added.
Yuvra’s numbers at the tournament were excellent. In eight shifts he fired and accumulated 362 runs on average 90.50, including one century and four fifties. One of his standouts came against West India in Chennai, where he scored 113 out of 123 balls. He also played vital knocks against England, Ireland, the Netherlands and Australia.
In the quarterfinals against Australia in Ahmedabad, Yuvraj’s undefeated 57 India helped to eliminate defending champions. He was equally effective with the ball when he spinned his left arm, which brought 15 goals on average 25.13. He took 5 for 31 against Ireland and claimed two goals in all three knockout games.
During his career, Yuvraj 304 Odi played for India and scored 8,701 runs with 14 centuries and 52 1950s. Yet his performance at the 2011 World Championship remains a crown gem. Yuvraj’s path, which is a dubious starter after the appearing as a standout artist, is not inspiring.
His story is evidence of the power of faith, hard work and the right support system. Today, Yuvraj is remembered not only as a winner of the match, but as a warrior who needed him most when India needed him.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
18 July 2025
