Former India coach Gary Kirsten recently revealed that Yuvraj Singh’s selection for the 2011 Cricket World Cup was not a guaranteed choice for the selectors.
A Close Call for a Champion
It’s hard to imagine India winning the 2011 ODI World Cup without Yuvraj Singh, who was named Player of the Tournament. However, according to then-head coach Gary Kirsten, Yuvraj’s spot in the squad was far from certain.
Kirsten shared with rediff.com that intense discussions took place among the selectors regarding the final 15 players. He, along with then-captain MS Dhoni, strongly advocated for Yuvraj’s inclusion, emphasizing the invaluable experience he brought to the team.
Kirsten and Dhoni’s Insistence
“Thank goodness we picked him because it was flipping close,” Kirsten stated. He highlighted that it wasn’t a “slam-dunk selection” and credited his and Dhoni’s insistence for securing Yuvraj’s place. Their belief in the all-rounder proved instrumental, given his eventual performance.
Kirsten expressed a deep fondness for Yuvraj, acknowledging their unique relationship. He admitted that Yuvraj could sometimes be frustrating, but he always admired his talent and wanted him to succeed constantly.
The Role of Mental Conditioning
A significant factor in Yuvraj’s readiness for the World Cup was the work done by Paddy Upton, the team’s mental conditioning and strategic leadership coach. Kirsten underlined Upton’s integral role in preparing Yuvraj for the massive tournament, which would be his last major event before battling cancer.
Kirsten also praised Yuvraj for making crucial personal decisions to get himself in prime shape. This collaboration between player and support staff ensured Yuvraj was physically and mentally prepared to deliver his best.
Yuvraj’s Stellar World Cup Performance
After a somewhat quiet 2010, Yuvraj Singh roared back to form in the 2011 World Cup. He amassed an impressive 362 runs, maintaining a strike rate above 86, and also chipped in with 15 crucial wickets throughout the tournament.
His standout moments included a century against West Indies in Chennai and a remarkable five-wicket haul along with a half-century against Ireland. However, his most impactful performance arguably came in the quarter-final against defending champions Australia, where his match-winning half-century secured India’s progression.
Yuvraj also consistently contributed with the ball in the knockout stages, taking two wickets in each of the elimination games. He was famously at the non-striker’s end when MS Dhoni hit the iconic six to seal India’s historic victory over Sri Lanka in the final in Mumbai.
- Yuvraj Singh’s selection for the 2011 World Cup was debated by selectors.
- Coach Gary Kirsten and captain MS Dhoni were key in ensuring his inclusion.
- Mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton played a crucial role in Yuvraj’s preparation.
- Yuvraj was named Player of the Tournament, scoring 362 runs and taking 15 wickets.
- His vital performances included a century, a five-wicket haul, and a match-winning fifty in the quarter-final.
Yuvraj Singh’s heroics in 2011 cemented his legacy as a World Cup legend, a testament to his talent and the foresight of his coach and captain.
