Yuvraj Singh joined a rare breed of international sportsmen who have returned to the field having battled life-threatening ailments, after the national selectors included in the India Twenty20 squad on Friday.
The inspirational player was thrilled to be back in the India fold, after months of uncertainty as he underwent cancer treatment in the United States.
"I can't explain how I feel, it feels like I'm going to play for India for the first time!", a delighted Yuvraj said after the squad was announced.
Yuvraj has worked on his fitness and game at the National Cricket Academy over the last two months, after his return from the US following successful treatment. "Its a special day for me," Yuvraj tweeted. "When I was diagnosed with cancer I always thought in my heart that one day I will come back and play for india… And I hope the almighty wil give me another chance in life to do so! So here I am ready to represent my country once again its a huge honour And this would not have been possible without the wishes and prayers of the loved ones and dear fans!! I can't wait to step on the field and wave the indian flag! Iv worked very hard and will go all out in this month to prepare for the t20 w cup!"
Yuvraj, one of the hardest hitters of a cricket ball, also has a proven record in Twenty20 cricket. In the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup, he hit England pacer Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over to inspire India to the title.
{{/usCountry}}Yuvraj, one of the hardest hitters of a cricket ball, also has a proven record in Twenty20 cricket. In the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup, he hit England pacer Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over to inspire India to the title.
{{/usCountry}}While everyone is happy that he has made a rapid recovery from his illness, there are questions whether he is being rushed into the India fold too soon.
His former skipper, Sourav Ganguly, said: "I am surprised at his selection. I don't know how good a shape he is in at the moment. But if he is fit to play, it's always more than a gain for India."
However, selection committee chairman, K Srikkanth, defended the decision. "We are happy Yuvraj Singh has been declared fit. As we all know, he is a crucial factor and if he gets going he can win matches single-handedly. Don't forget he was the Man-of-the-Series in the 2007 T20 World Cup and was the player of the 2011 World Cup," he said on Friday.
The dashing middle-order batsman will play in the All India Buchi Babu invitational tournament in Chennai, which will be followed with keen interest by the selectors.