YUVRAJ PROFILE

Full Name: Yuvraj Singh
Born: December 12, 1981, Chandigarh
Major teams: India, Punjab, Yorkshire
Batting style: Left-hand bat
Bowling style: Slow left-arm orthodox

Achievements: More than 1000 ODI runs in the 2005-06 season; 4000 runs in ODI career with 7 centuries

Yuvraj Singh made an explosive entry into international cricket when he smashed a blistering 84 against Australia in the Nairobi Mini-World Cup in 2000-01. Since then Yuvraj's aggressive batting and sublime fielding at the point region have been the hallmark of many Indian victories.

After the initial hurrah, Yuvraj's batting was soon found to be suspect against quality spin and questions were raised about his commitment levels to the team cause. Yuvraj found himself out of the team but made a strong comeback against Zimbabwe in 2002 with a couple of matchwinning knocks.

Then Yuvraj played a pivotal role in India's dream run in the Natwest Series that culminated in the memorable final triumph against England thanks to a glorious partnership between Yuvraj and Mohammad Kaif. After waiting in the wings for 15 months, Yuvraj made his Test debut against New Zealand in 2003 and notched up a century against Pakistan in only his third outing.

The 2005-06 season has witnessed a phenomenal consistency from Yuvraj in ODIs with Man of the Series awards in successive tournaments. The gifted strokemaker has shown a matured and calculated approach in finishing games with clinical precision.