Yuvraj comes back a calm, grown-up man

As he knocked Shapoor Zadran’s delivery over the boundary on Wednesday evening, Yuvraj Singh not only announced his return in his characteristic style but also laid to rest the fears and uncertainties of last nine months. Sanjjeev K Samyal reports.

As he knocked Shapoor Zadran’s delivery over the boundary on Wednesday evening, Yuvraj Singh not only announced his return in his characteristic style but also laid to rest the fears and uncertainties of last nine months.

The 30-year-old southpaw has had a storied career, making it difficult to pick one moment as his best. But the one that will now go on to define Yuvi will be Wednesday night’s confident stride — on the crease, and away from the rare form of germ cell cancer that saw him hospitalised in the US and out of action for about nine months.

It has taken a dogged determination and lots of discipline to be back. A foodie once, he only eats organic food now — binging is a big no. Yuvraj of the past may have thought of partying after helping his team beat Afghanistan. “But he was happy and calm…Obviously he was feeling good but he was very, very normal. He just relaxed in his room,” said a team insider.

Going into the World T20 cup, he didn’t get enough warm-up games. To make up, he batted in the nets in the searing afternoon heat and humidity of Colombo. It would have tired anyone but Yuvi showed no signs of fatigue and was joking around, said a team staff.

The skipper says he's getting better by the day. "He is shaping up really well. It's all about putting up a fight," MS Dhoni said.

"Yuvraj has looked fit for this format. Obviously, he is still not hundred per cent as far as Tests are concerned, but he is getting better."

He’s not at his best. But does he fit into the team? Yes -- 18 runs and three wickets against Afghanistan - his team, captain and coach will take it any day. YuviStrong? Yes, indeed.