Why KP, Kaif are in awe of Yuvraj Singh

NEW DELHI: As Yuvraj Singh smashed a 98-ball century to pull India out of early trouble in Cuttack on Thursday, the social media exploded in praise of the seasoned ODI all-rounder.

Yuvraj Singh struck his 14th ODI century, before finishing on a career-best 150. He raised a 256run fourth-wicket partnership with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who scored 134. It was Yuvraj’s first century since his effort against West Indies in the 2011 World Cup at Chennai.

He won the Man-of-the-Match award in that match and eventually guided India to title triumph, after a 28-year gap.

His original batting partner, Mohammad Kaif, turned nostalgic as Yuvraj Singh, who scored his fourth ODI century against England, carried his partnership with Mahendra Singh Dhoni past the 200-run mark.

It was a similar partnership between Yuvraj Singh and Kaif that brought India victory in the NatWest series final against England at the Lord’s in 2002.

“Nostalgic to watch this partnership of Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni again. The 2011 winning moment partnership .# INDvENG,” tweeted Kaif. Yuvraj Singh was overcome with emotion, having pulled India out of trouble at 25/3 following a three-wicket burst by England paceman Chris Woakes. Former England skipper, Michael Vaughan, joined in paying tribute to Yuvraj Singh’s resilience in battling cancer after the 2011 World Cup triumph.

Kevin Pietersen, Yuvraj’s bestknown England adversary, who lovingly nick-named the Indian star ‘pie-chucker’ too was offthe-mark from Melbourne.

“I love @YUVSTRONG12! Well done my buddy! All the love coming from Melbourne!,” tweeted the former England batsman.