Gautam Gambhir invites Yuvraj Singh for Team India’s pre-match ritual; legendary batter adds special touch
During the IND vs SA 2nd T20I match, Gautam Gambhir created a heartwarming moment by requesting Yuvraj Singh to join Team India’s pre-match ritual. The legendary batsman brightened up the event with his presence and added inspiration and energy to India’s crucial pre-match preparations.
On Thursday, the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur proudly inaugurated two new stands during the second T20I match between India and South Africa. These stands are named after cricket legends: 2011 World Cup champion Yuvraj Singh and 2025 Women’s World Cup anticipated winner Harmanpreet Kaur.
Harmanpreet, along with her teammates Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur, received a generous cash prize of Rs 11 lakh each. During the opening ceremony, Gautam Gambhir took a moment to praise Yuvraj Singh for his contribution to the game. He was also seen gathering the Indian team just before the toss. Meanwhile, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav successfully took the toss and chose to bowl first.
Yuvraj Singh having fun with Gautam Gambhir #yuvrajsingh #INDvsSA #GautamGambhir pic.twitter.com/XlVwEpGXfg
— Sudhir kumar chaudhary (@Sudhirsachinfan) December 11, 2025
Two giants of the old era came together again…
Yuvraj Singh x Gautam Gambhir#INDvSA #INDvsSApic.twitter.com/KHr9akjpTT
— Arshit Yadav (@imArshit) December 11, 2025
Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) president Amarjit Singh Mehta shared his thoughts with IANS: “This is the first international men’s match to be held at the PCA Mullanpur Stadium. It is a huge match. Many dignitaries of the BCCI, including president Mithun Manhas, will attend. Many local delegates will also come. The Governor and the CM will give their approval today as we have made a special request for them to celebrate the occasion. Hopefully, they will come tomorrow too. 95 per cent of the tickets have already been sold.”
“There are a lot of new things here this time. We will open a new stand named after Yuvraj Singh right below the screen. We are also naming a stand after Harmanpreet Kaur because of her recent success. She has made not only Punjab but also the country proud. When you look at the boxes, you will feel a completely different feeling this time. For this, we have made a lot of arrangements. We have made changes. We have added many things. We have tried this way. To make this match different,” he concluded.
Both Yuvraj and Gambhir were integral members of India’s winning team in the 2011 World Cup. Their friendship was evident as they shared a heartfelt embrace. During the 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj created history by becoming the first player to achieve both five wickets and fifty wickets in the same match. He scored an impressive 362 runs in eight matches and boasted a remarkable average of 90.50. Additionally, he claimed 15 wickets at an economy rate of 5.02. The player from Chandigarh has left a significant mark in the field of cricket.
He represented Punjab throughout his domestic career. He amassed 8965 runs in 139 First-Class matches for Punjab at an average of 44.16. While playing for Punjab, he recorded 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries, besides taking 41 wickets. He also showcased his talent by playing for Punjab Kings in the IPL.
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