Yuvraj Singh, the long-term absentee from Indian cricket, made an unofficial return last week. In a home match for the Pune Warriors, he had a bat before the game. When he was interviewed during the match, the TV broadcaster proudly identified him as Yuvraj Singh, Pune Warriors India. He will probably not play in this IPL, but he has lifted many spirits anyway.
It will be very difficult for him to match what Lance Armstrong did after overcoming cancer. The legendary cyclist won seven back-to-back Tour de France titles post his return. Yuvraj, on the other hand, has achieved a lot already - a World Cup, a World Twenty20 which included six sixes in an over. In the ICC Cricket World Cup last year, he established himself as an all-rounder; he became the first to score a half-century and take five wickets in a WC match. I was also fortunate enough to witness a century from him live from the stands against West Indies here at the MAC. No one was aware that he was going through health problems at the time.
A malignant tumour in his lung was detected which was soon diagnosed as cancer. The star flew to Boston for treatment, where he kept fan updated through Twitter. His will and strength showed as he is now back from the ordeal. He will now have to find his cricketing spark, if he wishes to continue his career.
Meanwhile, in the IPL, some people are shining bright. Virender Sehwag is in sublime form, taking over from a merciless Kevin Pietersen. The marauding duo are demolishing bowlers like a wrecking ball would a rickety building. He has saved Delhi in many a match. He may well lead Delhi to a maiden title.
Not that others aren't hitting hard. Chris Gayle may not be the phenomenon he was last year, but is clobbering bowlers anyway. Ajinkya Rahane is not a new find but his ability to play elegant shots in a format where smashing is the norm catches the eye. Faf du Plessis has not been very consistent but his hits have given struggling Chennai some reason to smile.
Among the bowlers, Dale Steyn, Brett Lee, Morne Morkel and Lasith Malinga have made an impact. Some like warhorses Muttiah Muralitharan and Azhar Mahmood; newbie Pawan Negi and Ashok Dinda have stood out in some matches. But for bowlers to contain and take wickets in Twenty20 at all is a challenge, so hats off to them.
Just five points separate the second- and eighth-placed teams, so it's an open tournament. A little slump can cost a team big. Some teams have found consistency and that is helping them in this fast, dynamic league that is the IPL.
It will be very difficult for him to match what Lance Armstrong did after overcoming cancer. The legendary cyclist won seven back-to-back Tour de France titles post his return. Yuvraj, on the other hand, has achieved a lot already - a World Cup, a World Twenty20 which included six sixes in an over. In the ICC Cricket World Cup last year, he established himself as an all-rounder; he became the first to score a half-century and take five wickets in a WC match. I was also fortunate enough to witness a century from him live from the stands against West Indies here at the MAC. No one was aware that he was going through health problems at the time.
A malignant tumour in his lung was detected which was soon diagnosed as cancer. The star flew to Boston for treatment, where he kept fan updated through Twitter. His will and strength showed as he is now back from the ordeal. He will now have to find his cricketing spark, if he wishes to continue his career.
Meanwhile, in the IPL, some people are shining bright. Virender Sehwag is in sublime form, taking over from a merciless Kevin Pietersen. The marauding duo are demolishing bowlers like a wrecking ball would a rickety building. He has saved Delhi in many a match. He may well lead Delhi to a maiden title.
Not that others aren't hitting hard. Chris Gayle may not be the phenomenon he was last year, but is clobbering bowlers anyway. Ajinkya Rahane is not a new find but his ability to play elegant shots in a format where smashing is the norm catches the eye. Faf du Plessis has not been very consistent but his hits have given struggling Chennai some reason to smile.
Among the bowlers, Dale Steyn, Brett Lee, Morne Morkel and Lasith Malinga have made an impact. Some like warhorses Muttiah Muralitharan and Azhar Mahmood; newbie Pawan Negi and Ashok Dinda have stood out in some matches. But for bowlers to contain and take wickets in Twenty20 at all is a challenge, so hats off to them.
Just five points separate the second- and eighth-placed teams, so it's an open tournament. A little slump can cost a team big. Some teams have found consistency and that is helping them in this fast, dynamic league that is the IPL.
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