When the name Yuvraj Singh is mentioned, cricket fans immediately recall the iconic moment in the 2007 T20 World Cup, when he hit six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad.
A tall left-hander with immense power, Yuvraj was known for his ability to change games single-handedly. Beyond T20s, he played a crucial role in India’s ODI setup, establishing himself as one of the most fearsome all-rounders in cricket history.
Yuvraj made his ODI debut in 2000 against Kenya and his Test debut in 2003 against New Zealand at Mohali. Over his illustrious career, he amassed 1900 runs in 62 Test innings, 8701 runs in 278 ODIs, and 1177 runs in 51 T20Is. His domestic career mirrored this brilliance, and he was a sought-after figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), featuring for multiple franchises and commanding substantial auction prices.
While Yuvraj’s career reached iconic heights, it faced a major challenge in 2012 when he was diagnosed with cancer, temporarily diverting his life and cricketing journey. Despite this, he returned to the game and remained an influential figure. Alongside Yuvraj, several players made their international debut in a similar era and carved their own paths in Indian cricket. Here, let us take a look at five such cricketers and where they are now.
Here are 5 Indian players who debuted with Yuvraj Singh and where they are now
Zaheer Khan
One of India’s greatest fast bowlers, Zaheer Khan, debuted in the same ODI as Yuvraj Singh. Known for his ability to swing the new ball and reverse the old ball, Zaheer was pivotal in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. Injuries, however, sometimes affected his performance and consistency.
Over his career, he claimed 311 Test wickets, 282 ODI wickets, and 17 T20I scalps, often delivering economical spells under pressure. In the IPL, Zaheer represented three franchises and picked up 102 wickets. He is now active as a cricket commentator and remains closely associated with the sport.
Ashish Nehra
The left-arm pacer Ashish Nehra made his early Test debut but faced challenges due to his slight physique, playing his last red-ball game in 2004. He became a specialist in white-ball cricket and even revived his international career at the age of 36, playing a crucial role in India’s 2016 T20 World Cup campaign.
Nehra finished with 44 Test wickets, 157 ODI wickets, and 34 T20I wickets. Post-retirement, he has been part of the Gujarat Titans (GT) coaching setup, helping the franchise clinch their first IPL title in 2022.
Mohammad Kaif
The stylish middle-order batter Mohammad Kaif, debuted around the same time as Yuvraj. He had previously captained Yuvraj in the 2000 Under-19 World Cup, which India won. Kaif earned his Test cap at just 20 but struggled with consistency, resulting in limited appearances.
He scored 624 runs in 13 Tests and 2753 runs in ODIs. In the inaugural IPL in 2008, Kaif was a high-profile pick for Rajasthan Royals. He works as a cricket commentator now and runs a YouTube channel, sharing insights on cricket.
Lakshmipathy Balaji
The Tamil Nadu pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji also debuted in Yuvraj’s era. His career was interrupted by a stress fracture, which sidelined him for over three years. Despite this, he returned to contribute effectively in both Tests and limited-overs cricket.
Balaji took 27 wickets in eight Tests, 34 wickets in 30 ODIs, and 10 wickets in T20Is. In the IPL, he represented three franchises, and post-retirement, he served in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coaching setup. Currently, Balaji focuses on Tamil commentary, sharing his expertise in the regional language.
Irfan Pathan
The talented all-rounder Irfan Pathan debuted at 19 years of age in 2003 against Australia. Injuries often disrupted his career, preventing him from consistently holding a place in the team. He ended his international career with 100 wickets in both Tests and ODIs, alongside 1000 runs in each format, showcasing his value as a genuine all-rounder.
Irfan was also an early entrant into T20 cricket and had a long IPL career, playing until 2017, including recent appearances in the World Championship of Legends. Today, he is active as a commentator and runs a YouTube channel, regularly posting cricket-related content.