Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj Singh, shared how sledging from Steve Waugh’s Australian team taught Yuvraj to toughen up and fight back.
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Yuvraj Singh’s Rise from Gentle Debutant to Fiery Competitor
Sledging Yuvraj Singh is never a good idea—England legend Andrew Flintoff learned this the hard way during the 2007 T20 World Cup. In a Super Six match at Durban, Yuvraj unleashed fury on pacer Stuart Broad by smashing six sixes in an over. After the historic feat, Yuvraj even pointed his bat at Flintoff, with whom he had a recent heated exchange.
But Yuvraj wasn’t always this fierce. When he debuted for India as a 19-year-old, he was far from the aggressive player Flintoff faced years later. Instead, arguing or swearing on the field wasn’t on his mind—until one defining moment against Australia changed everything.
Yuvraj’s father, former India cricketer Yograj Singh, revealed that sledging from the Australian team, led by the legendary Steve Waugh, toughened Yuvraj up. After Yuvraj was hit by a bouncer, Waugh told him to get up and face the challenge.
“For me, it’s a war fought by gentlemen. While you are in the field, there are times you’re just going through the motions. But Australians? They abuse everything in the world,” Yograj said. “I remember when Yuvraj was hit and fell, Steve Waugh came over and said, ‘Get up, this is not school cricket, you bloody kid.’”
Why Yuvraj Singh had an argument with Andrew Flintoff
Yograj Singh explained that Yuvraj’s fiery exchanges, like the one with Flintoff, came after learning to stand his ground—especially following Steve Waugh’s tough lesson.
Yuvraj Singh made a memorable international debut in the 2000 Champions Trophy quarterfinal against Australia in Nairobi. Coming in at No. 5, fresh from U19 World Cup success, he scored a stylish 84 off 80 balls with 12 boundaries, helping India post 265/9. Known for his sharp fielding, Yuvraj took a brilliant catch to dismiss Ian Harvey and ran out Michael Bevan in one of the game’s best moments. India won by 20 runs, advancing to the semifinals.
Yograj reminded everyone that emotions run high when representing the country, and players must be forgiven for their on-field passion.
“You’re still friends when you leave the field. Emotions flare up—just forgive. At the end of the day, you say sorry and move on. Have a big heart. Don’t get caught up in petty things. All this nonsense about fining kids—it doesn’t matter,” he added.