Six cakes for six sixes

Yuvi’s friends gather to mark the anniversary of his feat at a party organised by Yograj Singh

September 19 is a date that neither Yuvraj Singh nor the cricketing all- rounder’s family and fans, not to mention English bowler Stuart Broad, will ever be able to forget. Thirteen years ago, on this date, Yuvraj became the second batsman after Herschelle Gibbs to hit six sixes in an over in international cricket.

Facing Broad in the World T20 encounter against England at Kingsmead, Durban, Yuvraj launched the first ball over cow corner; the second - measured at 111 yards - disappeared over backward square leg; the third and fourth rocketed over extra cover and point; the fifth flew over midwicket; the sixth six landed in the stands at long- on. Yuvraj also hit a 12- ball half- century.

“I invited all cricketers who played with him right from his childhood and celebrated Yuvi’s six sixes with six cakes prepared for the occasion at DAV college cricket ground ( Chandigarh),” Yuvraj’s father Yograj Singh, himself a former fast bowler, said, speaking exclusively to DC.

Yuvraj and his wife joined the celebrations over a video call.

“I have known Yuvraj from a very young age. He always liked to hit the ball. He has enormous talent and can make a comeback if he wishes to,” said Ajay Sikka, a former Ranji Trophy cricketer, who attended the celebration.

Coach Nagesh Guptal, who also attended the party, said, “it was clear very early on that Yuvraj was going to make it big in international cricket - and so he did.” Reminiscing further, Guptal said “At a State level match he once hit a whole lot of balls out of the ground. So you could recognise the power he had.”

Girish Bhanot, Sanjay Dhull, Gurinder Singh and Munish Aggarwal were among those who were present on the occasion.