Yuvi: Cricket, Cancer & Cup

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."

(Arnold Schwarzenegger).

The story is dedicated to 2011 World Cup Hero Yuvraj Singh's battle with Cancer, and his determination to fight back.

In 2000, Yuvraj (fondly known as Yuvi) started his career in International cricket and in no time became the star of Indian Cricket team.

Yuvi, son of former Indian bowler Yograj Singh, had cricket in his genes whether it was World Cup or ODI he has always played with passion.

It was on this unforgettable day at Kingsmead, Durban that he etched his name into the record books by hitting six consecutive sixes off a hapless Stuart Broad during the India-England match of the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa. He Scored fastest 50 ever in just 12 deliveries.

In the ICC World Cup 2011, he won four Man of the Match awards, which is joint best with Sri Lanka's Aravinda de Silva in 1996 and South Africa's Lance Klusener in 1999.

Yuvraj had respiratory difficulties through 2011 and in May he withdrew from the ODI series in the West Indies due to an illness. He toured England but had to return home after breaking his finger in the Nottingham Test and later played two home Tests against West Indies.

However, he then pulled out of the ODI series against West Indies in November citing an abnormal tumor in his lung. Yuvraj had originally targeted the CB series in Australia for his return to international cricket.

His issues began with breathing difficulties, nausea and bouts of vomiting blood before India's successful run through the 2011 World Cup, which he ended as the player of the tournament.

Post-ICC World Cup 2011, Yuvraj was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his left lung and underwent chemotherapy treatment in Boston and Indianapolis.

SPORTS | Yuvi Announces Retirement#Yuvi #YuvrajSingh #BCCI #ICC #Cricket @YUVSTRONG12
https://t.co/3hCJEAGGxq

— Pratidin Time (@pratidintime) June 10, 2019

In March 2012, he was discharged from the hospital after completing the third and final cycle of chemotherapy and returned to India in April.

Yuvi was inspired by Lance Armstrong who has made many records in his career as well and was also diagnosed with the same kind of tumour in 1996. He was treated with tumour and despite that, he began his career again. Yuvraj Singh has also been treated by the same doctor. During his time in the U.S, he used to read the autobiography of Lance Armstrong for motivation and to get his treatment done perfectly.

In April 2012, Yuvraj made his comeback with a T20 against New Zealand in September 2012 and is still the star of India.

"After 25 years, I have decided to move on. I was extremely lucky to play 400 games for India. I could have never imagined it when I first started playing cricket."

Yuvraj Singh

Fighting back tears, Yuvraj Singh on Monday announced retirement from international cricket, ending a "rollercoaster" career.