Hardik Pandya recalls Yuvraj Singh’s ‘hilarious expressions’ on ground

Indian cricket fans found their jubilation of a memorable victory over defending champions Australia in World Cup 2019 marred on Monday as senior batsman Yuvraj Singh decided to hang up his boots. The 37-year-old left-hand cricketer last played for India in 2017 and was not in the touch he used to be once. But the man’s exit from international cricket marked a moment of sadness for the fans for he had been an integral part of some of India’s major success stories on the world stage.

That the members of the Indian squad playing the cricket World Cup in England were also touched by Yuvraj’s sudden retirement became evident when Hardik Pandya posted a tweet. The ace all-rounder who played a big role in scripting India’s 36-run victory over Australia at the Oval by smashing a 27-ball 48 shared an old picture showing himself with Yuvraj from an international match.

While Hardik is seen spreading his arms while making an excited reaction, Yuvraj too is looking astonished with his mouth open. The picture was from a top moment in a limited-over game and Hardik said he would miss those “hilarious expressions” of Yuvraj Singh. He also wished Yuvraj, who also played alongside him in the Indian Premier League this year, happy retirement life and said he had earned it.

I’ll miss your hilarious expressions on the pitch Yuvi Paa ???????????? Have a happy retirement. You’ve earned it ???? pic.twitter.com/8ppFEjNE93

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) June 10, 2019

Yuvraj had made an impressive debut with the bat

Yuvraj Singh, who was adjudged the man of the series of the 2011 World Cup played in the subcontinent, played over 300 50-over games to score over 8,700 runs and take 111 wickets. He made his debut against Kenya in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy but batted for the first time in his second match which was against Australia. It was in this very match that Yuvraj scored 84 off 80 balls to help India win.

His other top moments in the career have been hitting six sixes in an over against England in the 2007 World Twenty20; scoring a Test century in Pakistan besides of course the cricket World Cup of 2011. However, another reason for which Yuvraj will be remembered is his overcoming deadly cancer and returning to play for India.

India captain Virat Kohli also congratulated Yuvraj on his career and called him an “absolute champion”.

Congratulations on a wonderful career playing for the country paji. You gave us so many memories and victories and I wish you the best for life and everything ahead. Absolute champion. @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/LXSWNSQXog

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 10, 2019