5 Indian players who used the Champions Trophy as a launchpad

#2 Yuvraj Singh: ICC Knockout Trophy, 2000

Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh has remained a fearsome figure with the bat in the last decade or so. When he hits the ball – in particular the white one – well, the bowlers are left scarred. And so were the Australians, who witnessed a hurricane innings from a teenage sensation 17 years ago. Unperturbed by rapid pace, he smashed 84 off 80 balls in just his second ODI, and a tough Australian unit was left bewildered.

With time, his big hits and glorious drives were proving to be menacing. His pairing with MS Dhoni won India plenty of matches, and was recognised for the typically modern attacking approach in the latter part of an innings. With experience, Yuvraj began to be renowned as a respected fielder and his part-time off-spin gained importance as well.

The 2007 World T20 was Yuvraj’s golden time. First, he tonked six sixes in an over against England before clobbering 70 off 30 deliveries against Australia as India ended up winners. His 362 runs and 15 wickets in the 2011 ODI World Cup at home meant India were triumphant and Yuvraj was the Man of the Tournament.

Then, however, he was diagnosed with cancer. But the warrior that Yuvraj has always been, he returned to the side in late 2012. His domestic performances earned him a comeback in ODIs in early 2017. At Cuttack against England, Yuvraj blasted 150 off 127 balls and turned the clock back for an accelerated stand with Dhoni yet again.