India's veteran batsman Yuvraj Singh holds an integral position in the Team India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. The southpaw, fresh after marriage with Hazel Keech last year, returns to play in the Champions Trophy after a 11-year absence.
The 35-year-old Yuvraj did make his ODI debut back in 2000 in this competition itself, called the ICC Knockout Trophy, back then.
He played alongside the likes of Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, in his ODI debut on October 3 2000, against Kenya. Yuvraj didn't get an opportunity to bat in the match but he did bowl four overs.
The rest was history.
The veteran batsman is now playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, alongside the likes of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane as well as youngsters like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah.
"I am delighted to be returning to the India side for the 50-over ICC tournament and look forward to making a meaningful contribution as the side aims to defend its title," Yuvraj was quoted as saying in an ICC statement.
Yuvraj played a key role as India shared the ICC Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka in 2002, but was not a part of the 2013-winning India side, led by MS Dhoni. He missed the 2009 and the 2013 edition of the tournament.
"Like any other ICC tournament, it will be a challenging event with each team arriving there believing it can lift the silverware on 18 June at The Oval," the veteran added.
"We are in a tough group, but at the same time we are a form side following a highly successful domestic season. We will target to carry forward the winning momentum into the ICC Champions Trophy so that we can become the second side after Australia to win back to back titles," said Yuvraj.
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