- Speaking on ‘The Overlap Cricket’ with Michael Vaughan, Yuvraj recalled how difficult it was to accept his condition
Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The legendary Indian all-rounder played a crucial role in India’s victories at the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. However, the toughest phase of his life came off the field, when he battled cancer.
During the 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj was already dealing with a serious illness but continued to perform exceptionally for the team, putting aside his pain and discomfort. It was only after the tournament, when his health deteriorated further, that the seriousness of his condition became clear. Medical tests revealed a dangerous tumor between his heart and lungs.
Speaking on ‘The Overlap Cricket’ with Michael Vaughan, Yuvraj recalled how difficult it was to accept his condition. He said that at the peak of his career, it felt like suddenly falling from the top. At the time, he was in Delhi and preparing for upcoming tours to the West Indies and England. With Sourav Ganguly retired, a spot had opened up in the Test team something he had waited seven years for.
Yuvraj admitted that he was so determined that he said he didn’t care even if he died, as long as he got that opportunity. However, his health continued to worsen.
He revealed that Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi warned him about the severity of his condition, saying the tumor was located between his heart and lungs, and without chemotherapy, he might have only three to six months to live. The doctor also cautioned that continuing to play cricket could even result in a heart attack.
Following this, Yuvraj traveled to the United States for treatment, where doctors even suggested that he might never return to cricket. It was an emotionally and mentally challenging time for him. Despite this, he remained strong and stayed connected to the game.
During his treatment, cricket legends like Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar visited him and boosted his morale.
Ultimately, through chemotherapy and sheer determination, Yuvraj defeated cancer. In an inspiring comeback, he returned to the Indian team within months, proving that true champions never give up.