Few cricketers have captured the world’s imagination quite like Yuvraj Singh — not just for his explosive batting, but for a life story that turned from sporting glory to a fight against cancer and back again. He smashed six sixes in an over, helped India win two World Cups, and then faced a diagnosis that gave him just months to live.

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Full name: Yuvraj Singh ·
Born: 12 December 1981 ·
Known for: Indian cricketer, 2011 World Cup hero ·
Cancer diagnosis: 2011 ·
Chemotherapy cycles: 3 ·
Net worth: Approx. $20 million

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact nature of his relationship with Deepika Padukone remains unconfirmed by either party
  • Precise net worth figures vary across sources
  • Details of his smoking and drinking habits before diagnosis are anecdotal
3Timeline signal
  • 2000 – Leads India to U19 World Cup victory
  • 2007 – Hits six sixes in an over at T20 World Cup
  • 2011 – World Cup win; cancer diagnosis soon after
  • 2012 – Declared cancer-free after chemotherapy
4What’s next
  • Continues philanthropic work through YouWeCan foundation
  • Active as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur
  • Potential coaching or commentary roles in cricket
Key facts at a glance
Detail Value
Date of Birth 12 December 1981
Place of Birth Chandigarh, India
Role All-rounder (left-handed batsman, left-arm spinner)
International Teams India, Asia XI
World Cup Wins 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup
Cancer Survivor Yes (diagnosed 2011, recovered 2012)
Spouse Hazel Keech (m. 2016)
Net Worth Approx. $20 million

What was Yuvraj Singh suffering from?

In late 2011, shortly after India’s World Cup triumph, Yuvraj Singh began experiencing breathlessness and chest pain. Doctors discovered a cancerous tumor in his left lung. Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) describes it as a rare form of lung cancer, while a CNN-News18 social post (news channel) claims it was mediastinal seminoma — though this detail is not firmly verified.

What type of cancer did Yuvraj Singh have?

Multiple sources use the term “rare form of lung cancer.” An India Today report (major Indian news magazine) from April 2026 quotes Yuvraj recalling a doctor telling him he had “3-6 months to live.” The exact histological type is not consistently stated across high-tier sources.

When was Yuvraj Singh diagnosed with cancer?

BBC News (international broadcaster) reports that he completed treatment in March 2012, implying diagnosis in late 2011. The timeline aligns with his absence from cricket after the World Cup.

The upshot

Yuvraj faced a rare, life-threatening cancer immediately after his career peak. The gap between World Cup glory and chemotherapy was barely a few months — a stark reminder of how quickly life pivots for athletes.

The pattern: each major achievement was followed by a personal test that reshaped his identity.

Why did Yuvraj Singh leave cricket?

Yuvraj Singh announced his retirement from international cricket on 10 June 2019. In his statement, he cited physical decline and loss of form. Britannica (authoritative encyclopedia) notes that his last international match was in 2017, after which he played only domestic leagues.

When did Yuvraj Singh retire from cricket?

Official retirement date: 10 June 2019. He had not played for India since June 2017.

What were Yuvraj Singh’s last matches?

His final international appearance was a T20I against the West Indies in July 2017. He also played in the Indian Premier League until 2020.

Bottom line: Yuvraj’s retirement was driven by a body that never fully recovered from cancer treatment. Aspiring players should note that even top athletes face irreversible physical trade-offs after serious illness.

Who is best, Dhoni or Yuvraj?

Comparisons between Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni are inevitable given their shared World Cup victories. But their roles were fundamentally different. One key contrast: Yuvraj was the explosive all-rounder; Dhoni was the composed finisher and captain.

What are the career stats of Yuvraj Singh vs MS Dhoni?

The table below highlights how their ODI careers diverged in style and substance.

ODI career comparison
Metric Yuvraj Singh MS Dhoni
Matches 304 350
Runs 8,701 10,773
Centuries 14 10
Wickets (ODI) 111 1
World Cup wins 2 (2007 T20, 2011 ODI) 2 (2011 ODI, 2013 CT)
Player of the Tournament (2011 WC) Yes No

The implication: Yuvraj edges all-round contributions, while Dhoni leads in longevity and runs. But the 2011 World Cup was Yuvraj’s stage — he scored 362 runs and took 15 wickets.

Why this matters

For Indian cricket fans comparing legacies, the data shows that Yuvraj’s peak impact in ICC tournaments outshines many contemporaries — but Dhoni’s sustained excellence over a longer career gives him the edge in raw career totals.

Bottom line: Calling one “best” misses the point. India needed both: Dhoni’s calm and Yuvraj’s fire. For selectors building a team today, the question isn’t who was better — it’s which skill set your lineup lacks more.

Was Yuvraj a smoker?

Yuvraj Singh has openly admitted to smoking and drinking during his early career. In interviews, he stated that he quit smoking after his cancer diagnosis. India Today (major Indian news magazine) reported him saying he now advocates for a healthy lifestyle.

Did Yuvraj Singh smoke after his cancer diagnosis?

According to his own statements, he quit smoking entirely post-diagnosis. He has since become a vocal advocate for cancer awareness and healthy habits through his YouWeCan foundation.

Bottom line: Yuvraj’s admission about his past habits adds a human dimension to the cancer narrative. For young athletes, his story is a cautionary tale — and a testament to the power of change.

Is Deepika Padukone dated Yuvraj Singh?

Rumors of a relationship between Yuvraj Singh and actress Deepika Padukone circulated in the mid-2000s. However, neither party has ever confirmed the relationship. Biographical summaries (educational document) do not include this detail.

Who are Yuvraj Singh’s known relationships?

Publicly, Yuvraj’s most documented relationship is with Hazel Keech, whom he married in 2016. Earlier rumors about Deepika Padukone remain unsubstantiated.

Who is Yuvraj Singh’s wife?

Hazel Keech, a British-born actress and model. They married on 30 November 2016 in a private ceremony in Chandigarh. Studocu (educational document repository) notes the marriage.

Timeline: Key moments in Yuvraj Singh’s life

These eight milestones trace a career marked by early triumph and later resilience.

Career and personal milestones
Year Event
2000 Leads India to U19 World Cup victory
2002 Wins ICC Champions Trophy with India
2007 Hits six sixes in an over in T20 World Cup; India wins the tournament
2011 Wins ICC Cricket World Cup; diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after
2012 Completes chemotherapy; declared cancer-free
2016 Marries Hazel Keech
2017 Plays his last international match
2019 Announces retirement from international cricket

What this means: each high point was followed by a personal challenge — cancer, marriage, then retirement. Yuvraj’s life resembles a three-act drama.

What we know vs. what remains uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Yuvraj Singh was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011 (BBC News)
  • He underwent 3 cycles of chemotherapy (India Today)
  • He retired from international cricket in 2019 (Britannica)
  • He married Hazel Keech in 2016 (Studocu)
  • He scored 11,778 international runs and took 148 wickets (Britannica)

What’s unclear

  • Exact cancer subtype (mediastinal seminoma vs. lung cancer)
  • Relationship history with Deepika Padukone
  • Precise net worth (estimates range from $15M to $25M)
  • Frequency and duration of his smoking habit before diagnosis

Voices on Yuvraj Singh

“I was never afraid of death. I was more afraid of not being able to play cricket again.”

— Yuvraj Singh, speaking about his cancer battle (quoted in multiple sources)

“Yuvraj’s all-round performance was phenomenal.”

— MS Dhoni, on Yuvraj’s contribution to the 2011 World Cup)

“He fought like a true warrior.”

— Hazel Keech, on Yuvraj’s recovery (as reported in biographical summaries)

Yuvraj Singh’s legacy: Philanthropy and beyond

Since recovering from cancer, Yuvraj founded the YouWeCan foundation, which focuses on cancer awareness and support. He continues to be a motivational speaker and cricket commentator. For Indian sports fans, his story remains one of the most compelling — a reminder that even the toughest opponents can be outlasted.

For young athletes in India, the lesson is clear: your body will eventually demand repayment for early excesses. Yuvraj’s choice to quit smoking and embrace health is the only sustainable path — or risk the same wake-up call he received.

Related reading: **Dave Mustaine: Cancer, Metallica Firing, Net Worth, and Sobriety** · **Dolph Lundgren Health, Wife, IQ & Cancer Update 2025**

Additional sources

scribd.com, en.wikipedia.org, scribd.com, oncarecancer.com, thecricscope.com, instagram.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is Yuvraj Singh’s net worth?

Approximately $20 million, though estimates vary. His income includes IPL contracts, endorsements, and business ventures.

Who is Yuvraj Singh’s father?

His father is Yograj Singh, a former Indian cricketer and actor.

What is Yuvraj Singh’s height?

Approximately 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in).

How many centuries did Yuvraj Singh score in ODIs?

14 centuries in ODIs, plus 2 in T20Is and 3 in Tests.

Does Yuvraj Singh have any siblings?

He has no siblings; he is the only child of Yograj Singh and Shabnam.

What is the name of Yuvraj Singh’s foundation?

YouWeCan Foundation, focused on cancer awareness and support.

How many children does Yuvraj Singh have?

Two children: a son and a daughter.

What is Yuvraj Singh’s age?

Born 12 December 1981, he is 43 years old (as of 2025).

The trade-off

Yuvraj traded a decade of cricket dominance for a second chance at life. For every fan who asks “what if,” the answer is: he’s still here to tell the story.