Yuvraj Singh, a name synonymous with explosive batting and effective left-arm spin, embarked on a captivating journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from its inception in 2008 until 2019. This period encapsulated thrilling auctions, where franchises vied for his dynamic skills, and spectacular on-field performances that etched his name in IPL folklore. Yuvraj Singh’s IPL journey was more than a tale of runs and wickets; it was a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to thrive under the spotlight. From being the costliest buy to gracefully handling transitions between teams, Yuvraj’s IPL odyssey encapsulated the essence of T20 cricket — high-voltage performances, strategic bidding wars, and a legacy that will forever shine in the IPL annals.
Here’s a general overview of his IPL performances by year:
2008 (Kings XI Punjab):
The saga began in 2008 when Yuvraj Singh, already a prominent figure in Indian cricket, set the auction floor ablaze as Kings XI Punjab secured his services for a whopping INR 14 crore. This colossal bid not only made him the costliest player in the inaugural auction but also established him as the marquee player to watch. The stakes were high, and Yuvraj’s performances in that season justified the enormous investment. His batting pyrotechnics were on full display in the inaugural season, with memorable innings such as the unbeaten 66 against Rajasthan Royals and a crucial 49 against Chennai Super Kings. These performances set the tone for Yuvraj’s IPL legacy — a blend of power, precision, and a penchant for rising to the occasion.
Auction Price: Icon Player INR 4.25 crore
Bidding Details: Yuvraj Singh was one of the most expensive buys in the inaugural IPL auction.
Top 3 Scores: 66* (vs. Rajasthan Royals), 49 (vs. Chennai Super Kings), 1 (vs. Delhi Daredevils)
Performance: Yuvraj played crucial innings for Kings XI Punjab, showcasing his power-hitting abilities.
2009 (Kings XI Punjab):
The subsequent season saw Yuvraj retained by Kings XI Punjab, showcasing his consistency and adaptability. The second season, in 2009, witnessed Yuvraj crafting innings with finesse — a stylish 58* against Rajasthan Royals and a resilient 54* against the same opponent highlighted his ability to anchor an innings and steer his team to victory. The IPL was witnessing the rise of a talismanic figure.
Auction Price: Not applicable (retained by Kings XI Punjab)
Top 3 Scores: 58* (vs. Rajasthan Royals), 54* (vs. Rajasthan Royals), 20 (vs. Deccan Chargers)
Performance: Yuvraj continued to be a key player for Kings XI Punjab, contributing with the bat.
2010 (Kings XI Punjab):
Yuvraj Singh’s significance to the Punjab team became glaringly apparent during a challenging season when his batting form dwindled, contributing to the team’s dismal performance at the bottom of the points table. Despite the return of Brett Lee, the team’s fortunes failed to improve, suffering ten losses and finding themselves at the bottom of the rankings. Yuvraj faced criticism for both his lackluster form and perceived attitude issues in the 3rd edition, leading to his replacement as captain by Kumar Sangakkara.
Auction Price: Not applicable (retained by Kings XI Punjab)
Top 3 Scores: 43 (vs. Delhi Daredevils), 38 (vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore), 33* (vs. Kolkata Knight Riders)
Performance: Yuvraj played some crucial innings for Kings XI Punjab, but the team didn’t have a standout season.
2011 (Pune Warriors India):
In 2011, a new chapter unfolded as Yuvraj donned the captaincy hat for the newly formed Pune Warriors India. The auction witnessed a bidding war, and Yuvraj became the costliest player once again, bagging a jaw-dropping INR 8.28 crore contract. The expectations were monumental, and Yuvraj responded with impactful performances. A dominating 66 against Delhi Daredevils and a controlled 44 against Mumbai Indians showcased his leadership on and off the field.
Auction Price: INR 8.28 crore (USD 2.33 million)
Bidding Details: Yuvraj Singh became the costliest player in the 2011 auction, representing the newly formed Pune Warriors India.
Top 3 Scores: 66 (vs. Delhi Daredevils), 44 (vs. Mumbai Indians), 34 (vs. Rajasthan Royals)
Performance: Yuvraj led the team and performed well with both bat and ball.
2012 (Pune Warriors India):
Yuvraj’s tenure with Pune Warriors India continued in 2012, where he retained his prolific form with a stellar 66 against Delhi Daredevils and a commanding 58 against the same opponent. His consistency remained a cornerstone of Pune’s batting lineup, reaffirming his stature as a T20 stalwart.
Auction Price: Not applicable (retained by Pune Warriors India)
Top 3 Scores: 66 (vs. Delhi Daredevils), 58 (vs. Delhi Daredevils), 34 (vs. Rajasthan Royals)
Performance: Yuvraj Singh had a decent IPL season, contributing with the bat and occasionally with the ball.
2013 (Pune Warriors India):
Embraced by the Pune franchise upon completing his rehabilitation, the Yuvraj of yesteryear couldn’t replicate his past heroics for the team. His season average dipped below 20, and he was unable to achieve a single score of 50 or more during that campaign.
Auction Price: Not applicable (retained by Pune Warriors India)
Top 3 Scores: 34 (vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad), 31 (vs. Kings XI Punjab), 24 (vs. Delhi Daredevils)
Performance: Yuvraj’s performances were affected by health issues, and Pune Warriors India struggled in the tournament.
2014 (Royal Challengers Bangalore):
Acquired for a staggering Rs. 14 crores by the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Yuvraj was brought in with the intention of maximizing his all-round prowess in the middle order. He delivered two formidable performances, notching a blazing 63 off 29 balls against the Delhi Daredevils and a commanding 83 off just 38 balls. Additionally, in the same game, he also claimed four wickets, showcasing his versatility.
Auction Price: INR 14 crore
Bidding Details: Yuvraj was one of the high-profile buys for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Top 3 Scores: 83 (vs. Delhi Daredevils), 52 (vs. Rajasthan Royals), 35 (vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Performance: Yuvraj had a decent season, with notable contributions in some matches.
2015 (Delhi Daredevils):
In one of the costliest bids in IPL history, Yuvraj secured a staggering Rs. 16 crores deal with the Delhi team amidst their comprehensive restructuring efforts. However, this hefty investment didn’t yield the expected returns as Yuvraj struggled significantly with the bat, seemingly buckling under the weight of the colossal price tag. His tally of 248 runs at an average of 19.07 reflected his underwhelming performance. Consequently, the Daredevils concluded the season in seventh place on the points table.
Auction Price: INR 16 crore
Bidding Details: Yuvraj became the costliest buy once again, this time for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).
Top 3 Scores: 54 (vs. Kings XI Punjab), 50 (vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore), 27 (vs. Kolkata Knight Riders)
Performance: Yuvraj had a mixed season with some notable innings but not reaching the heights of his price tag.
2016 (Sunrisers Hyderabad):
Under the banner of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Yuvraj Singh finally clinched the coveted IPL title, joining the exclusive group of players who have triumphed in the World T20, the World Cup, and the IPL. Despite missing the initial leg due to injury, Yuvraj showcased his batting prowess by accumulating 236 runs at an impressive average of 26.22 and a healthy strike rate of 132.
Auction Price: INR 7 crore
Bidding Details: Yuvraj moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Top 3 Scores: 44 (vs. Gujarat Lions), 39 (vs. Mumbai Indians), 38* (vs. Kolkata Knight Riders)
Performance: Yuvraj played a crucial role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s title-winning campaign with significant contributions.
2017 (Sunrisers Hyderabad):
Representing the franchise that season, Yuvraj contributed with both bat and ball. Despite encountering challenges, he played key innings and showcased his versatility. The season culminated in Sunrisers Hyderabad securing a playoff spot, with Yuvraj playing a role in the team’s journey.
Auction Price: INR 2 crore
Top 3 Scores: 70* (vs. Delhi Daredevils), 47 (vs. Mumbai Indians), 42 (vs. Gujarat Lions)
Performance: Yuvraj had a decent season, playing some important innings for the team.
2018 (Kings XI Punjab):
In the 2018 IPL season, Yuvraj Singh represented Kings XI Punjab. Despite being a seasoned campaigner, Yuvraj had a relatively subdued performance. His innings lacked the explosiveness that was characteristic of his prime, and he faced challenges in making a significant impact for the team. The season marked a phase in Yuvraj’s career where he faced fluctuations in form and playing opportunities.
Auction Price: INR 2 crore
Top 3 Scores: 64 (vs. Delhi Daredevils), 50 (vs. Rajasthan Royals), 20 (vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Performance: Yuvraj had a relatively low-key season with occasional impactful performances.
2019 (Mumbai Indians):
In 2019, Yuvraj Singh joined the Mumbai Indians. Though his appearances were sporadic, he contributed with vital cameos and showcased glimpses of his vintage strokeplay. While not a regular feature in the XI, his experience and ability to turn the game with quick runs were noteworthy in key encounters.
Auction Price: INR 1 crore
Top 3 Scores: 53 (vs. Delhi Capitals), 50 (vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore), 18 (vs. Rajasthan Royals)
Performance: Yuvraj joined Mumbai Indians, and although he didn’t have a consistent run, he played some crucial innings.
