ODI World Cup: Yuvraj Singh played a pivotal role in India’s historic victory in the 2011 ODI World Cup, marking a 28-year gap before the Indian men’s cricket team once again became world champions. Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India triumphed over Sri Lanka in the final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 2, 2011. Despite several standout performances by Indian players in the 2011 ODI World Cup, Yuvraj stood out as a key figure. The former all-rounder contributed significantly to India’s World Cup victory by accumulating 362 runs in nine matches and taking 15 wickets. In recognition of his exceptional performance, the 41-year-old was awarded the Player of the Tournament.
Since the 2011 ODI World Cup, India has participated in two more 50-over mega-events but has not secured the title. However, in the current year, with the tournament taking place in India, the Men in Blue appear to be strong contenders for the championship. They have convincingly won all four matches they have played so far, with their players displaying exceptional form. Leading performers in the tournament include Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah. India’s 15-member squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 includes two world-class all-rounders, Hardik Pandya and Jadeja, who are expected to play significant roles.
When questioned about the key Indian player for this year’s World Cup, and who could emulate Yuvraj Singh’s 2011 performance, former Indian spinner and member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning squad, Harbhajan Singh, endorsed Virat Kohli as the player who could be the Yuvraj Singh of 2023 for Team India.
In the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, Virat Kohli has already scored 259 runs in four matches. He delivered back-to-back half-centuries in the initial two matches against Australia and Afghanistan. In the team’s fourth match against Bangladesh, Kohli achieved his 48th ODI century, securing India’s victory by seven wickets.