Cricketing legends gathered in London for a grand fundraiser hosted by Yuvraj Singh’s cancer charity, YouWeCan, raising over a million pounds.
A Night of Stars and Charity
The event was a dazzling affair, with a who’s who of cricket royalty and London’s elite in attendance. Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, and the entire current Indian touring party, including Virat Kohli, were there to support Yuvraj Singh’s noble cause.
The fundraising dinner aimed to generate funds for cancer patients, and it proved immensely successful, raising over a million pounds. It was a testament to the respect and affection the cricketing world holds for Yuvraj.
Rishabh Pant’s Record-Breaking Bid
One of the evening’s highlights was a spirited auction. Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant made the highest bid of an astounding 17,000 pounds. He outbid several wealthy Londoners to win a unique artwork featuring a real bat, which was to be presented alongside an MVP award to Jasprit Bumrah.
Pant’s teammates watched on, smiling at his audacious bidding, a trait they know well from his on-field play. His significant contribution underscored the team’s commitment to the cause.
Team India’s Humorous “Razzies”
Beyond the serious fundraising, the evening also featured some lighthearted moments with “Razzies”-style awards for players. Rishabh Pant was “awarded” for being the last to board the team bus, while Kuldeep Yadav received one for always blaming ‘bad times’ for misfortunes.
Ravindra Jadeja was humorously recognized as the most persistent DRS requester. Shubman Gill, part of the “jury” with Gautam Gambhir, even shared an amusing anecdote about Mohammed Siraj’s optimistic appeals, much to the Indian team’s amusement.
Yuvraj Singh himself couldn’t resist a playful jab at his former teammate, Gautam Gambhir, suggesting a bid for “making Gambhir smile.” The banter showcased the camaraderie within the cricketing fraternity.
Legends Share Heartfelt Memories
Many speakers took the stage to share their personal memories of Yuvraj, encompassing both his triumphant cricketing career and his courageous battle with cancer.
Sachin Tendulkar recalled a pre-2011 World Cup dinner where Yuvraj, then struggling with energy, vowed to win the Cup for him. Kevin Pietersen spoke of their on-field rivalry but highlighted their deep friendship, emphasizing Yuvraj’s “beautiful human being” nature.
Current Indian captain Shubman Gill shared a charming, more recent memory. As a teenager, he and friends once climbed the Mohali stadium wall to watch Yuvraj train, then cheekily asked for a photo. Yuvraj’s playful response, listing all the things young fans eventually ask for, left Shubman grinning.
Virat Kohli’s Humorous Entry
Virat Kohli, who joined later, added to the evening’s charm. When an MC remarked on India missing him, he quipped about his beard needing frequent coloring, a sign of age. He then shared a touching memory of Yuvraj’s post-cancer comeback.
Kohli recounted watching Yuvraj and MS Dhoni forge a crucial partnership in an ODI game at Cuttack. He told KL Rahul at the time that it felt like going back to their childhood, watching the duo save India, highlighting Yuvraj’s inspiring resilience.
- The YouWeCan fundraiser in London raised over £1 million for cancer patients.
- Rishabh Pant made the highest bid of £17,000 for a unique cricket artwork.
- Cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen, and Virat Kohli shared personal anecdotes about Yuvraj Singh.
- The evening was marked by both heartwarming tributes and lighthearted banter among the players.
The event beautifully showcased the enduring impact and inspiring legacy of Yuvraj Singh, a true hero on and off the field.
