Mohali, Mar 27: Yuvraj Singh started the World Cup assured of a place in the playing eleven but unsure of his role and batting position in India's powerful team.
By the time he reached his home ground Sunday to prepare for the World Cup semifinal against archrival Pakistan, he has proven to be the team's key match-winner.
It was no surprise that he was the most sought after by fans in a city where cricket is overshadowing everything, and he duly obliged by signing autographs at a practice session.
Yuvraj has been voted 'man of the match' four times in the tournament, including in the quarterfinal win over three-time defending champion Australia.
Yuvraj took 2-44 with his left-arm spin and smashed an unbeaten 57 to help carve out the five-wicket win over Australia at Ahmedabad.
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At the start of the tournament, 29-year-old Yuvraj was in a three-way battle with Suresh Raina and Yusuf Pathan for two batting slots.
Raina had played some important knocks over the past year while Pathan was in terrific form on a recent tour of South Africa. On the other hand, Yuvraj was only just settling in after a horrible previous season.
It was his part-time bowling that ensured Yuvraj a place, leaving the other two vying for the remaining slot.
"Yuvraj can be very useful with the ball," captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said as the tournament commenced. "We are hoping that he can partly fill up for the fifth bowler as we play with only four specialist bowlers."
Yuvraj did not get to bat in the opening game against Bangladesh, in which he also went wicketless in seven overs.
But he was unstoppable from then on, shining with both bat and ball.
He has a highest of 113 in the tournament against the West Indies in a total of 341 runs in six innings, including four half-centuries. He has also taken 11 wickets, including a career-best 5-31 against Ireland.
Yuvraj agreed after the Australia match that this was proving to be the best phase of his life.
"Yes, it is. These are the kind of moments you live for, as a cricketer," he said.
After a 2010 plagued by injuries, Yuvraj's body seems to be holding together. He was seen playing football during an optional practice session with his left knee strapped for precaution on Sunday, a testimony to the tough times.
Back to playing at No. 4 or No. 5 depending on what his team's needs are, Yuvraj says he knows what his role now is, even though India has suffered some batting collapses.
"I am expected to finish games and I am enjoying doing that," he said.
Fans who have followed his fortunes since he played in the state's under-19 and Ranji Trophy sides will be expecting something special from him here, too.
In his younger days, he was more widely known in the Punjab as the son of India allrounder Yograj Singh, who was a famous local personality after working in Punjabi language movies when he quit cricket. There's little doubt now who the most famous of that particular Singh family is. AP
