Yuvi by Makarand Waingankar

Book Summary

Yuvi is a biography of the Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, written by journalist‑cricket administrator Makarand Waingankar. The book traces Yuvraj’s journey from his early childhood in Chandigarh, through the pressures of being the son of Yograj Singh, to becoming one of India’s most exciting all‑round talents. Waingankar draws on conversations with Yuvraj’s parents, his coaches and peers, as well as firsthand observations over many years, to show both the triumphs and the struggles.

The narrative divides into stages: “Chasing the Dream” (his early promise), “Testing Times” (tough phases, expectations, criticism), “Shabnam Singh – a Mother Speaks” (his mother’s perspective), “Yograj Singh” (his father’s role, his methods, their relationship), “Speaking of Technique” (how his batting, bowling, fielding evolved), and “Climbing the Peak” and “The Future Beckons” (his successes—including the 2011 World Cup win—and the battles he faced, like his illness). One of the key threads is Yuvraj’s fight not just with cricketing challenges but with his own health—his battle with cancer—and how that tested, and eventually reinforced, his character and resolve. The book is not uncritical; for example, it discusses Yuvraj’s uneven record in Test cricket, expectations from fans and selectors, and the burden of legacy. Overall, Yuvi provides a vivid, affectionate, and balanced portrait of both the star and the person beyond the spotlight.

About the Author: 

Makarand Waingankar is one of India’s best‑known cricket writers, columnists, researchers, and talent‑spotters. He has worked with the BCCI’s Talent Resource Development Wing (TRDW), which he helped launch to discover and nurture cricket talent from small towns and less‑recognized regions of India. He has also held administrative roles in state associations, and has seen many players he helped scout rise to national prominence.  His writing style combines careful research, long acquaintance with many players, and personal insights: because Waingankar has known Yuvraj and his family since early on, he is able to plot a more intimate and nuanced portrait than many purely statistical or external‑view sporting biographies.