Yuvraj Singh (born 12 December 1981) is a former Indian cricketer. He was one of the most exciting left-handed batters of his generation and a match-winner in limited-overs cricket. He hit six sixes in an over at the 2007 T20 World Cup and was Player of the Tournament when India won the 2011 World Cup. Soon after that World Cup he was diagnosed with a rare cancer. He fought his way back to the Indian team, and his recovery has inspired millions.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Yuvraj Singh |
| Born | 12 December 1981, Chandigarh, India |
| Age | 44 |
| Role | Batting all-rounder (left-handed bat, slow left-arm orthodox) |
| International debut | ODI: 3 October 2000 v Kenya; Test: October 2003 v New Zealand |
| Father | Yograj Singh (former India cricketer) |
| Spouse | Hazel Keech (m. 2016) |
| Children | Two |
| Retired | 10 June 2019 |
Early Life
Yuvraj was born in Chandigarh to Yograj Singh, a former India fast bowler and Punjabi film actor, and Shabnam Singh. As a boy he loved tennis and roller skating, but his father pushed him hard towards cricket. He rose through Punjab’s age-group teams and was named Player of the Tournament when India won the 2000 Under-19 World Cup.
Career
Yuvraj made his ODI debut at the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy in Nairobi. In his next innings he made a fearless 84 against Australia. He starred in India’s famous chase in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s, and his fielding at point set new standards for Indian cricket. His Test debut followed in 2003 against New Zealand.
At the first T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007, Yuvraj hit England’s Stuart Broad for six sixes in one over in Durban. He also reached a 12-ball half-century, which remained the fastest in T20 internationals for many years. India, captained by MS Dhoni, went on to win the tournament.
At the 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj scored 362 runs and took 15 wickets and was named Player of the Tournament as India won the trophy at home. He played through the event while unwell, and doctors later found the cause.
In late 2011 Yuvraj was diagnosed with a mediastinal seminoma, a rare germ-cell cancer between the lungs. He had chemotherapy in Boston and Indianapolis and returned to international cricket in September 2012. He played on for several more years. In the IPL he won titles with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 and Mumbai Indians in 2019. He announced his retirement from international cricket on 10 June 2019.
Personal Life
Yuvraj married the actress Hazel Keech in November 2016. The couple have a son, Orion, born in 2022, and a daughter, Aura, born in 2023. He founded the YouWeCan Foundation to support cancer awareness, screening and patients. His autobiography, The Test of My Life, describes his illness and recovery.
Awards and Honours
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Yuvraj Singh born?
Yuvraj Singh was born on 12 December 1981 in Chandigarh, India and is 44 years old.
What is Yuvraj Singh’s role?
Role: Batting all-rounder (left-handed bat, slow left-arm orthodox).
Featured image: President Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Arjuna Award to Yuvraj Singh, August 2012. Photo by President’s Secretariat, Government of India, licensed under Government Open Data License – India, via Wikimedia Commons.
