Wisden overview
Generously gifted, Yuvraj Singh is looked upon as a strong, fearless natural destined for greater things. Two months short of his 19th birthday, he made an almost messianic entry into international cricket, toppling Australia in the Mini-World Cup in Nairobi with a blistering 84 and some scintillating fielding. While his ability to hit the ball long and clean were instantly recognised, he was soon found to be troubled by quality spin and perceived to lack commitment, traits for which he temporarily lost his place in the one-day side. But on returning, for the last two one-dayers against Zimbabwe in early 2002, he swung the series India's way with a matchwinning innings in each game, and then went to England and played a key role in three Indian chases in their dream run in the NatWest tri-series. It is this matchwinning quality – with the bat at No. 5 or 6, and in the field, typically at backward point – that makes Yuvraj such a critical member of India's one-day side. Rahul Bhattacharya

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