MS Dhoni saved this star player from being dropped in 2011 World Cup

The 2011 ICC World Cup remains etched in every Indian cricket fan’s heart, from MS Dhoni’s iconic six at Wankhede to Sachin Tendulkar’s tearful lap of honour and Virat Kohli’s heartfelt tribute to the Master Blaster. India became the first team to win a 50-over World Cup at home, a feat achieved through a perfect blend of experience and youth. Among the heroes of that historic night, Yuvraj Singh stood tall with his stellar all-round performance.

But few know that Yuvraj’s place in the squad was almost in jeopardy.

Yuvraj Singh’s Close Call

In a startling revelation, former India coach Gary Kirsten disclosed that Yuvraj’s selection for the 2011 World Cup wasn’t a certainty. Speaking to Rediff.com, Kirsten said the selectors, led by Kris Srikkanth, debated dropping Yuvraj due to his inconsistent form in the lead-up.

“Thank goodness we picked him because it was flipping close,” Kirsten admitted. “It wasn’t a slam-dunk selection. Dhoni and I were very keen because of the experience he brought. And look at the World Cup he ended up having.”

In the year before the tournament, Yuvraj had scored only 440 runs in 20 ODIs, with just three half-centuries. However, with support from Kirsten and Team India’s mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, Yuvraj turned a corner.

A Hero’s Journey Against the Odds

Yuvraj went on to score 362 runs and claim 15 wickets in the tournament, earning the Player of the Tournament award. His feat became even more remarkable after it was revealed he had been battling cancer during the World Cup.

The Legacy Lives On

From near exclusion to becoming the heartbeat of India’s 2011 triumph, Yuvraj’s story is one of resilience and faith. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the biggest gambles lead to the greatest victories.