Team India had a special individual doing a pep talk before the second T20I match against South Africa on Thursday. Well, it was none other than Yuvraj Singh, who made a surprise appearance in India’s team huddle before the toss. Fascinatingly, Yuvraj Singh was present as a stand was named after him at the venue, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Alongside him, a stand after Harmanpreet Kaur was also inaugurated after she led India to its maiden Women’s ODI World Cup earlier this year.
Speaking to IANS, Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) president Amarjit Singh Mehta said, “This is the first-ever men’s international match taking place here at PCA Mullanpur Stadium. It’s a very big match. Several dignitaries from the BCCI will be in attendance, including the President, Mithun Manhas. Many local delegates are also coming. The Governor and the CM will give their confirmation today, as we have made a special request for them to grace the occasion. Hopefully, they will also come tomorrow. 95 per cent tickets have already been sold at the stadium.”
Superb occasion and historic night in Mullanpur
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led the ceremony, honouring Harmanpreet’s World Cup-winning side as well. Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur and fielding coach Munish Bali all received state awards, while newly appointed BCCI president Mithun Manhas watched from the sidelines.
Yuvraj’s reunion with head coach Gautam Gambhir warmed plenty of hearts. The two shared a quiet laugh on the sidelines, a reminder of how deeply their careers are tied to India’s biggest white-ball triumphs in 2007 and 2011. Moments later, Yuvraj joined the Indian players, offering a few words before they took the field.
