YUVRAJ - HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Yuvraj turns 26 tomorrow. Many more happy returns, Yuvi! When arrived at the international arena he was regarded as successor to Sachin Tendulkar. He showed occasional brilliance but lacked consistency. He was in and out for a while. He was recalled for home one-day series against Zimbabwe. India was trailing that series 1-2. He scored 80 not out of 60 balls and steered India to victory in the fourth ODI and went on to win last ODI also.

After West Indies series, India went to England. He along with Rahul Dravid won the first ODI of Natwest trophy (2002) against England at Lords chasing 270 odd runs. At that time, that was the highest score chased at Lords. We must remember that we are poor chasers. In the final of Natwest trophy, we are chasing 325 runs, again a record chase at Lords. Ganguly and Shewag gave India a brilliant start, but 5 wickets fell in quick succession. Soon, Yuvraj and Kaif were at the crease. They scripted India’s best ever One-day tournament win in recent times. From there no looking back for Yuvraj, still consistency was lacking in him.

At home one-day series against Srilanka in 2005, he was struggling for form. Everybody demanded his blood. But he answered his critics in style by brilliant run of consistency. He got his first man-of the series award against South Africa. He followed that with two more man-of the series against Pakistan and England. Finally Yuvraj showed that consistency that was missing earlier in his career.

Next step for him would be to become good at test cricket also. But unfortunately he had poor test series against West Indies in West Indies (2006). Another tragedy struck him (also our team) just before the crucial ODI against Australia in ICC Champions trophy; he injured his knee. There is doubt about his availability for 2007 World Cup. I hope he is fit and in top form for World Cup in West Indies.

He is definitely the successor to the likes of Sachin and Dravid. He is our generation next.

YUVRAJ’S BEST MOMENTS

1. His 84 of 80 balls against Australia in 2000 ICC Champions trophy (His maiden innings).
2. His 98 of 110 balls against Srilanka in 2001 Coca-Cola cup.
3. His 80 of 60 balls against Zimbabwe in 4th ODI in 2002.
4. His 64 0f 65 balls against England in 1st ODI in 2002 Natwest Series.
5. His partnership with Kaif in finals of 2002 Natwest Series against England.
6. His two breath-taking catches against South Africa in semi-finals of 2002 ICC Champions trophy.
7. His consecutive man-of the series against South Africa, Pakistan and England in 2005-06.