IND vs SA: 2011 World Cup hero joins Indian team squad ahead of 2nd T20I at Mullanpur; photos go viral | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh made a surprise appearance just before the toss ahead of the second T20I between India and South Africa in New Chandigarh, joining the players’ group and sharing some motivational words. The 2011 World Cup hero has joined the Indian team, offering tactical advice and encouragement as India look to extend their considerable lead in the series. Photos of Yuvi chatting with Team India players quickly went viral on social media platforms.
Yuvraj Singh joins the Indian team squad
Yuvraj Singh in the Indian team squad
Yuvraj Singh meets Hardik Pandya
Moments later, India won the toss and elected to bowl first.India’s confidence is high after an impressive 101-run win in the series opener, a match that also served as the first audition phase for the 2026 T20 World Cup core. The night belonged to Hardik Pandya, who announced his return to international cricket in style with a match-winning all-round show.Defending 175, Indian bowlers dismantled South Africa in spectacular fashion. Arshdeep Singh set the tone by removing Quinton de Kock for a duck and dismissing Tristan Stubbs just as he threatened to tee off. Axar Patel tightened the screws further, toppling South Africa captain Aiden Markram in the power play. Hardik struck in his very first delivery to dismiss David Miller, and from there, the visitors’ innings moved quickly.Earlier in the day, India recovered from a choppy start after Lungi Ngidi dismissed Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav cheaply. Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma struck up a steady partnership before Hardik’s unbeaten 59 from 28 balls propelled India to 175/6, aided late on by Shivam Dube and Jitesh Sharma.With India 1-0 ahead, all eyes now turn to Mullanpur, where Yuvraj’s pep talk will aim to keep the momentum going as the teams prepare for Thursday’s clash.
