Gary Kirsten comes out with a bold revelation about Yuvraj Singh
Former India head coach Gary Kirsten recently shed light on the internal discussions that took place around Yuvraj Singh’s inclusion in the squad for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. At the time, there were serious doubts within the management about whether the stylish left-hander deserved a spot in the final 15. However, Kirsten and then-skipper MS Dhoni stood firmly in support of Yuvraj, backing him despite the concerns. That call would go on to become one of the most pivotal decisions in India’s cricketing journey.
India went on to end a 28-year wait by winning the 2011 World Cup, beating Sri Lanka by six wickets in a historic final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Yuvraj Singh turned out to be the heartbeat of that campaign, delivering match-winning performances throughout. He was named the Player of the Tournament for scoring 362 runs and taking 15 wickets—a remarkable all-round contribution that defined the championship. Reflecting on the campaign, Kirsten confessed that although Yuvraj could be unpredictable and occasionally frustrating to deal with, his natural talent and passion for the game made him a joy to watch. That unwavering faith in him paid off in the most iconic way possible.
"I was always very fond of Yuvraj. He used to frustrate the hell out of me sometimes, but I just loved him. He was good. I just wanted him to be scoring runs all the time because watching him bat was amazing," stated former India head coach Gary Kirsten.
Gary Kirsten also praised mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton for his crucial role in preparing Yuvraj Singh for the 2011 World Cup, both mentally and physically. Upton's guidance helped Yuvraj stay focused and resilient throughout the high-pressure tournament. Yuvraj’s performances reflected this preparation, as he batted in eight innings and maintained an exceptional average of 90.50. His impressive run tally included one century and four half-centuries, making him a consistent match-winner for India. Beyond the stats, his composure and determination under pressure stood out, further validating the faith shown in him by the team management.
"There was a journey he had to walk, and credit to Paddy. Paddy did a lot of work with Yuvi to get him ready. Yuvi himself made some key decisions to prepare for the World Cup," Kirsten added.
One of the most memorable chapters in Yuvraj Singh’s illustrious career came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. A standout moment was his brilliant century against the West Indies in Chennai, where he crafted a composed 113 off 123 balls under testing conditions. In the high-stakes quarterfinal clash against defending champions Australia in Ahmedabad, Yuvraj once again showcased his composure and match-winning prowess. His unbeaten 57 guided India safely into the semifinals, cementing his role as a key figure in India’s World Cup campaign.
Yuvraj’s contributions weren’t limited to batting. With the ball, he proved to be a valuable all-rounder, picking up 15 wickets at an average of 25.13. His best figures, 5 for 31, came against Ireland, while he chipped in with two crucial wickets each in all three knockout matches, showcasing his impact in high-pressure situations. Throughout his career, Yuvraj played 304 ODIs, scoring 8,701 runs, which included 14 centuries and 52 half-centuries. However, his all-round performance in the 2011 World Cup remains the highlight of his career—a tournament where he displayed unmatched determination, versatility, and resilience. That campaign immortalized him in Indian cricket folklore and continues to be celebrated by fans across generations.
