Stories from Yuvraj Singh’s fundraiser: Rishabh Pant’s highest bid, Kohli’s dyed-beard joke, Tendulkar’s 2011 World Cup anecdote and Shubman Gill’s Yuvraj tale
Yuvraj Singh, a name etched forever in the annals of Indian cricket, recently hosted a heartfelt fundraiser evening that was nothing short of magical. What began as a charity event to raise funds for cancer patients under the YouWeCan Foundation quickly turned into an emotional, humorous, and nostalgic gathering of cricketing greats. The event not only showcased the power of unity in cricket but also gave fans rare, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the relationships between some of the country’s biggest sports icons.
From Rishabh Pant’s surprise generosity to Virat Kohli’s jokes, Sachin Tendulkar’s emotional recollections, and Shubman Gill’s tribute to his childhood hero—this night was filled with memories that will linger for years.
Rishabh Pant’s Bidding Brilliance: The Highest Bid of the Night
Still on the road to full recovery after his horrific car accident in 2022, Rishabh Pant was not just a guest—he was the show-stealer in many ways. During the silent auction, a bat from Yuvraj’s historic 2007 T20 World Cup campaign was put up for bidding. What started as a quiet round turned into a thrilling battle when Pant, sitting in the middle row, casually raised his bidding paddle.
With each raise, the audience grew louder. Several cricketing stars and businesspersons joined in, but Pant remained determined. Ultimately, the wicketkeeper-batter sealed the deal at a whopping ₹1.2 crore—making it the highest bid of the night.
“I may not be running around the pitch yet, but I still know how to raise my hand for a good cause,” Pant quipped with a cheeky grin, prompting laughter and applause.
Kohli’s Dyed-Beard Banter: Playful Jabs with a Hint of Nostalgia
Virat Kohli, known for his fiery intensity on the field, brought his lighter side to the stage during a segment where former teammates shared memories with Yuvraj. Taking the mic, Kohli launched into a humorous story about the early days of his career.
“Yuvi paaji once teased me that I was copying his look. He even asked if I dyed my beard to appear older and cooler,” Kohli joked. “I told him, ‘Paaji, I can try, but no one can match your swag.’”
The crowd erupted in laughter. Kohli’s anecdote was more than just a joke—it was a subtle nod to Yuvraj’s influence on younger players, both in style and in substance.
Tendulkar’s World Cup Memory: A Moment of Tears and Triumph
The evening turned emotional when Sachin Tendulkar took the stage to share a memory from India’s 2011 World Cup victory—a moment still fresh in the minds of millions. Tendulkar, who waited over two decades for the coveted title, recalled the moments just after the final match.
“Yuvi came running to me, crying like a child,” Tendulkar said, his voice trembling slightly. “He said, ‘Paaji, this was for you. I gave everything I had.’ And little did we know back then, he was already battling cancer.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the hall as the crowd gave both legends a standing ovation. The moment served as a reminder that beneath the surface of glory and medals lies the grit, sacrifice, and unbreakable spirit of champions.
Shubman Gill’s Humble Tribute: From Chandigarh Streets to Cricketing Dreams
Representing the new generation of Indian cricket, Shubman Gill shared a simple yet powerful story of his childhood in Chandigarh.
“I used to hear stories of Yuvraj Singh before I even watched him play,” Gill recalled. “He was the pride of our city. One day, I saw him drive past in his sports car, and I just froze. That moment made me believe that anything was possible.”
Gill added that Yuvraj’s mentorship and his work with young cricketers in Punjab laid the foundation for many players like himself. “His contribution goes beyond runs and wickets—he gave youngsters like me the courage to dream.”
More Than Just a Fundraiser
While the event successfully raised a substantial amount for cancer treatment and awareness, its true success lay in the atmosphere it created. It wasn’t just a celebration of cricket—it was a celebration of resilience, friendship, humor, and humanity.
From Pant’s generosity to Kohli’s light-hearted jabs, from Sachin’s emotional tale to Gill’s respectful tribute—the night reflected the unbreakable bond that cricket builds among its players, regardless of generation.
The fundraiser also included performances, a fashion show with cricketers walking the ramp, and heartfelt speeches by survivors supported by YouWeCan. Yuvraj himself addressed the gathering, thanking everyone for their support and emphasizing that while he fought cancer alone, no one should have to.
Final Thoughts
Yuvraj Singh’s fundraiser was a reminder that the cricketing fraternity is more than just a team—it’s a family. These stories shared on a single evening carried decades of emotion, battles fought on and off the field, and lessons of humility and courage.
It showed that even after the stadium lights dim and the cheering crowds fade, the true spirit of cricket lives on—in stories, in laughter, in support, and in legacies.
