Happy Birthday Yuvi

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUVI 12-12-12

Chennai: Life is a rollercoaster ride and none can vouch for its unpredictability more than Yuvraj Singh. Days after being crowned the most valuable player of the 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj’s world came crashing down when he was diagnosed with a rare germ cell cancer.

Around the same time last year, Yuvraj had no clue where his life was headed with no clarity on his illness. Now as he nears another birthday — a special one on 12/12/12 — it is no less than a rebirth for the stylish cricketer.

“Last year, Yuvi had a quiet birthday at our Delhi residence with only a handful of friends. It’s going to be different this time around. It’s special not just because of the rare date, but also for the fact that his battle with cancer has changed his life for the better,” Yuvraj’s mother Shabnam Singh told this newspaper with the slightest hint of a cheer in her voice.

There was a time, Shabnam recalled, when Yuvi couldn’t even drink water. During chemo, he craved for it, but threw up the moment he took a sip.

Coming from there, Yuvi understands the value of life, Shabnam said.

“We spend too much time worrying about the future and fail to see the beauty in each moment. Yuvi and I know better now. We no longer take life for granted.

Cricket is everything for him and he enjoys every minute spent on the field. I derive pleasure from his happiness,” said the proud mother.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Yuvi’s cricket career was in jeopardy.

“There were times his body failed to respond to treatment. But, deep down Yuvi knew he would return to play for the country. I did not doubt his resolve for a minute,” Shabnam said.

But there were painful moments.

Every time Shabnam looked at the team list, she felt a little empty not seeing her son’s name there. “Immediately after the course of his treatment, Yuvi started preparing for his comeback. The World T20 was his target.

The greatest joy was seeing his name in the squad,” said Shabnam.

Having weathered the storm, Yuvraj wants to eliminate the stigma associated with cancer. It is important to promote early detection of the illness, Shabnam said. “We have tied up with Apollo Hospitals to facilitate one lakh screenings.

Like famous cyclist Lance Armstrong in the US, Yuvraj wants to be an ambassador for cancer awareness in the country,” she said.

Looking forward, Shabnam said, Yuvraj is ready to get hitched. One of the most eligible bachelors in the country, Yuvi may get married tomorrow if he finds the right partner.

“He’s ready, but I don’t want to rush him just for the sake of it,” she said.

When Yuvi was young, Shabnam separated from her husband who then raised their son and introduced him to cricket. There were times when Yuvi would sneak out to meet Shabnam. “He has seen his share of broken marriages and understands the devastating impact they have on children. I don’t want to make another mistake in life. It’s important to find him the right partner,” said Shabnam.