‘Wanted him to play even when he was spitting blood’: Yograj Singh on Yuvraj's struggle with cancer during 2011 ODI WC

Yograj Singh, the father of former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, recently expressed his delight in his son's excellent performance at the 2011 ODI World Cup. Despite dealing with cancer during the tournament, Yuvraj shown remarkable skill and determination, contributing significantly to India's historic victory after 28 years.

Yuvraj's tenacity shone through during India's group encounter against the West Indies in Chennai, when he overcame obstacles to achieve a stunning century. Yograj Singh passionately remembered his son's wonderful World Cup journey, saying he would have been proud of Yuvraj even if he had sacrificed his life for India's victory.

“For our country, if Yuvraj Singh had died from cancer and had won India the World Cup, I would have been a proud father. I still am very proud of him. I have told him this over the phone as well. I wanted him to play even when he was spitting blood. I told him, ‘Don’t worry, you won’t die. Win this World Cup for India,'” Yograj said on Unfiltered by Samdish.

Although Yuvraj played a crucial role in India's World Cup wins in 2007 and 2011, Yograj feels that he didn't completely tap into his potential and could have achieved even greater heights as a cricketer.

“Yuvraj Singh, if he had worked even 10 percent like his father, he would have become a great cricketer,” he added.

Yuvraj Singh was named Player of the Tournament following India's victory in the 2011 World Cup. He finished the competition with an amazing total of 362 runs in eight innings, averaging 90.50 and striking out 86.19. During this time, he recorded four half-centuries and one century.

Aside from his excellent hitting, Yuvraj was vital in generating key breakthroughs for the team throughout the middle overs. He collected 15 wickets in nine innings, for an average of 25.13 and an economy rate of 5.02, including a five-wicket haul. Throughout the competition, the left-handed batsman won four Player of the Match accolades, consistently coming up when his side needed him the most.

Unfortunately, Yuvraj was afflicted with cancer only eight months after India won the World Cup, forcing him to take a year off from the sport. Nonetheless, he demonstrated tremendous resilience and determination, making a triumphant return to international cricket in 2012 during a T20I against New Zealand.

Yuvraj Singh announced his retirement from international cricket on June 10, 2019 in Mumbai. He also announced his retirement from the IPL on the same day.

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