India vs New Zealand 1st T20: Yuvraj Singh set to return to international cricket

India vs New Zealand 1st T20: Yuvraj Singh set to return to international cricket

Visakhapatnam: After winning his battle against a rare germ cell cancer, India`s World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh would be the cynosure of all eyes when he starts his journey back to international cricket with the first Twenty20 match against New Zealand on Saturday.

Yuvraj was diagnosed with the ailment between his lungs within months of winning the Man of the Tournament award in the 2011 World Cup.

His career looked in jeopardy when the diagnosis was first revealed but the flamboyant all-rounder fought back after undergoing three cycles of chemotherapy.

The 30-year-old left-hander has been training hard at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and would be looking to make a statement when he returns to the cricket field in tomorrow`s match.

It is something that has never happened on the cricket field and Yuvraj will go on to inspire generations when he wears the Indian colours again after more than nine months.

Behind all the limelight he hogged after he returned home, Yuvraj put in hours sweating out at the NCA to regain the fitness and agility, for which he was known for.

Whether he would make a stupendous comeback on his return tomorrow or not but the fact that he beat cancer will now be a part of cricketing folklore.

"I had played three practice games at NCA. I will get some serious match practice in the two matches against New Zealand scheduled September 8 and 11," he said.

"Then, I would be playing two more practice matches. So, you see, I will be having seven games before the World Cup. I will be having enough match practice," he added.

His last International appearance was the Kolkata Test against the West Indies in November last year, while it was more than a year ago when he last played a T20 (against South Africa on January 9, 2011).

The two T20Is against New Zealand will start India`s countdown for the fourth edition the World Twenty20 that will get underway in Sri Lanka on September 18. 

As it`s a jam-packed Twenty20 calendar ahead -- World T20 followed by the Champions League in South Africa -- India would be keen for a winning start against the Kiwis.

The hosts could not have started their home season on a better note having routed the visitors 2-0 in the just-concluded two-Test series.

The T20 series against New Zealand will also mark the return of Harbhajan Singh, the star off-spinner who went out of favour after being blanked 0-4 in the disastrous England tour in July-August last year.

Both Yuvraj and Harbhajan were part of India`s successful campaigns in the ODI and Twenty20 World Cup (in 2007 and 2011).

Form-wise, Virat Kohli has been the man of all formats for India in recent past, with many match-winning knocks under his belt.

The youngster will once again form the core of Indian batting, while Suresh Raina, known for his exploits in the shorter formats, will look to give the finishing.

In the middle-order Rohit Sharma will have to prove his worth soon enough or the struggling batsman might end up losing his spot to the talented Manoj Tiwary, who has been waiting in the wings.

The opening duo of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir are also yet to fire.

Sehwag is yet to convert his starts and is long due for a big score, while Gambhir too has struggled in the Test series.

But he can draw confidence from the fact that he had a fine outing in India`s 4-1 and 1-0 victory in ODI and T20 series in Sri Lanka.

The very mention of Dr YSR Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium, perched on the foothills of Simhachalam forests on the outskirts of the city, makes one remember the great knock of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Dhoni had announced his arrival with a magnificent 148 against Pakistan back in 2005 and the Indian skipper would look forward to the belter where India have never lost from four ODIs.

PTI
Doug Bracewell and Tim Southee are the Kiwis pace spearhead while 20-year-old Adam Milne will look to impress with his searing pace for the first time in sub-continental conditions.

Sun has been shining bright after last few days of bad weather and the Visakhapatnam T20 is set to enthral the cricket-starved crowd of this coastal port city of Andhra Pradesh.

The second and final T20I is slated in Chennai on September 11.

Teams (from):

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (c), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Laxmipathy Balaji, Ashok Dinda, Piyush Chawla and Manoj Tiwary.

New Zealand: Ross Taylor (c), Brendon McCullum (wk), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, James Franklin, Rob Nicol, Jacob Oram, Doug Bracewell, Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Nathan McCullum, Ronnie Hira, Kyle Mills and BJ Watling.

Yuvraj Singh takes centrestage in opening T20 encounter against New Zealand

Yuvraj Singh takes centrestage in opening T20 encounter against New Zealand

By Dhananjay Devasper

September 8, 2012 marks the comeback of India's World Cup hero, Yuvraj Singh. The media coverage has been relentless about the Prince, who cheated death to make a comeback. The cacophony is so loud that everything else from a sporting perspective seems to be drowned out. The fact that it is a T20 match between India and NZ seems to have taken a backseat.

 

Yuvraj also seems to downplay all the attention on his comeback. He's obviously enjoying all the attention, but the real story will be, that of his on-field performance. Will he make a significant contribution to the team on his comeback or will it be an anti-climax of sorts?

 

While euphoria is one thing, hard facts also need to be faced. It's been a while since Yuvraj hasn't played a competitive match in a very long time and it's just possible he might be rusty. He may not live up to the hype and the expectations, but being an important cog in the wheel for India's T20 World Cup campaign, especially in the subcontinent, he will be expected to perform. Everyone will be curious if Yuvraj is fit enough, especially with the T20 World Cup around the corner. There is no denying that the selectors have taken a big risk by selecting him for the World Cup.

 

The India versus New Zealand contest is a bit more than a Yuvraj story. The approach will definitely be to try out a few strategies before the World Cup. So it's possible that Mahendra Singh Dhoni may try out a few of his gambles in these matches. Other than the first T20 World Cup, where India surprised everyone by winning the tournament, all other outings have paled in comparison. India may host the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), but its T20 performances have been nothing to boast of. Currently they are a lowly-ranked 8th.

Pathan praises Yuvraj the fighter

Pathan praises Yuvraj the fighter


New Delhi: Good wishes continued to pour in for Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who is recovering after undergoing treatment for a rare germ cell cancer, with Indian pacer Irfan Pathan saying that his teammate is not just a fighter on the cricket field but also in real life.


"He is a fighter in cricket and on the field. And he is a fighter in a real life too. The whole world is praying for him," the IPL team Delhi Daredevils' pacer said here.

Yuvraj returned to India on Monday after undergoing three cycles of chemotherapy in the United States. Pathan wished Yuvraj a speedy recovery.

"I'm praying for his complete recovery and am going to meet him soon. My whole family is praying and everyone want him on the ground," Irfan said.

Irfan, who is back after being sidelined for two years due to a back injury, said he is happy with the way his return has turned out so far.

"I'm only focusing on one thing which is contributing to the team and I'm sure that I would give my best. I'm getting better day by day and I'm struggling to become better."

""Cricket is the best education for me... It's been nine years since I've been learning, but for the past two years I'm feeling the change... it is a very good feeling," he added.

Yuvraj Singh: Born again

Yuvraj Singh: Born again

Call it a new way of branding to stay afloat in the time of crisis or the dawn of a new era in India where the most recognisable faces (read cricketers) have learned to the tread the Twitter path to keep their followers informed about every aspect of their lives.

On his return from the US where he underwent three cycles of chemotherapy, Yuvraj Singh has been hailed as the new braveheart not just by his fans across the country but also by the entire media. An obvious question also being raised by many is: why is he risking his health for the sake of publicity?

Yuvraj was tweeting about his health and posting photographs of each and every stage of his medical progress, a first by any Indian sportsperson.

India’s World Cup hero hardly needed any publicity to keep his brand value intact. So what compelled him do all this? Well, the batsman says he “wanted to put to rest all speculation about his health issues”.

“The moment the news of my illness became public, there was all kind of speculation. I thought it was important to let my fans know about my condition and also not allow people to cook up stories,” Yuvraj said on Wednesday, during his first media interaction after returning home.

One thing’s for sure, though. Yuvraj has emerged as a more mature and responsible person after his treatment and he could, perhaps, become a great crusader for cancer awareness in this country. “Maybe I would like to do something for all cancer patients. I know their pain because I have gone through it. But right now, my focus is to get back to fitness as early as possible,” Yuvraj said. He spoke candidly for an hour about his two-month stay in the US. He also revealed how he avoided watching cricket on television and was inspired by the practical approach of fellow chemotherapy patients, a group he called “the cancer family”.

Yuvraj confessed that he was in denial. “I could hardly believe that a fit person like me could actually have cancer. I concealed my ill-health for a long time even while having breathing problems during the World Cup. I had always presented a cheerful front to the outer world during that time.”

Yuvi also thanked Sachin Tendulkar for his encouraging words during their meeting in London. “Sachin has always inspired me. He always talks positively and motivated me during my difficult times,” Yuvi said.

On his future plans, Yuvraj says that it would be difficult for him to say anything at this point of time. “I don’t know what the future holds. It will be a great achievement if I get back to the field,” the 30-year-old said, adding, “the cancer is out of my system, but the scars are yet to be healed. All my fans want me to come back soon, I am sure you people will understand that my body will take time.”

Yuvraj also spoke about the inspiration he drew from legendary American cyclist Lance Armstrong, who survived testicular cancer. “I read Lance Armstrong’s book some five-six years back but had to leave it midway for some reasons. I didn’t know that I will have to complete it in the way and circumstances like I did,” he said.

No time frame, no ambitions and no real pressure to get back on the field. All Yuvraj needs to do is eat well, sleep well and, of course, breathe fresh air. And his fans should also try and understand his emotions. His playboy image is a thing of the past. Though he insists that he would always be the same — honest and flamboyant — but only time will now tell how ‘Brand Yuvraj’ would fare in the near future.

Yuvraj returns to India after cancer treatment

Yuvraj returns to India after cancer treatment

NEW DELHI, April 9, 2012 (AFP) - India's World Cup cricket hero Yuvraj Singh returned home on Monday after receiving treatment for a cancerous tumour in the United States.

Sporting a black jacket and red baseball cap, the 30-year-old all-rounder gave thumbs up signs to well-wishers who had gathered at New Delhi airport to welcome him back.

"He is absolutely fine and will rest at home for another 10-15 days," his mother Shabnam Singh told reporters at the airport.

Left-handed Yuvraj, named man of the tournament after India's World Cup triumph at home last April, was diagnosed with a rare condition, mediastinal seminoma -- a malignant tumour between his lungs -- soon after the event.

After completing three sessions of chemotherapy in Boston in March, he had moved to London before returning to India.

"Finally the day has come! i am going home tomorrow! cant wait, excited to see my friends and family ..see you india!!," Yuvraj said on Twitter on Sunday.

Thousands of well-wishers, politicians, his team mates and other sports personalities including US cycling great Lance Armstrong had sent messages to the ailing all-rounder who is known for his aggressive batting and disciplined spin bowling.

"Today the entire country is happy, god is happy and I am very happy. My son has come back as a winner," Yuvraj's father Yograj Singh told the NDTV news channel.

Yuvraj, who scored 362 runs and bagged 15 wickets in nine World Cup matches, has not played competitive cricket since taking part in two of the three home Tests against the West Indies in November.

He has scored 8,051 runs in 274 one-dayers and 1,775 in 37 Tests since making his international debut in 2000.

Fans meet Yuvraj Singh in US

Fans meet Yuvraj Singh in US

New DELHI: Recovering from a malignant tumour, India's World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh was in for a pleasant surprise when some fans met him outside his apartment in Boston and wished a speedy recovery. 

Yuvraj posted the picture of fans clapping and cheering him on the micro-blogging site Twitter, where the cricketer was seen wearing a blue jacket, cap and sunglasses. 

Touched by their gesture, Yuvraj, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy in Boston for rare germ cell cancer between his lungs, wrote on the site, "Local students and fans came to wish me just outside my app! Felt like I was in india ! Sweet of thm." 

Earlier replying to a post by the legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne, Yuvraj wrote, "hey you legend! Thanks mate I'm doing good staying positive! Hope you and family are well cheers!"

Warne had tweeted, "Hey buddy thinking of you lots my friend and hope your smiling and fighting champion !!! Here if you need anything..." 

Yuvraj had last month stated that the tumour between his lungs is almost out of his system. He is expected to be back on the field in the first week of May. 

The 30-year-old left-hander has been in US since January this year. The cricketer has gone bald during the treatment, which will go on till the last week of March before the process of rehabilitation starts in April. 

He has completed two cycles of chemotherapy.

Yuvraj Singh completes second cycle of chemotherapy

Yuvraj Singh completes second cycle of chemotherapy

New Delhi: March 01, 2012

Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has completed the second cycle of chemotherapy, continuing his recovery from a rare germ cell cancer in Boston (United States).

 

"Second cycle has finished today ! Had a bleomycin shot feeling weak but I'm sure tom will be a better day ! My next scan dated on 7th march," the 30-year-old left-hander tweeted.

 

Yuvraj had last month stated that the tumour between his lungs is almost out of his system.

 

Yuvraj, who has been in Boston since last month, is expected to be back on the field in the first week of May, according to his doctor.

 

The batsman, who went to US in January, has gone bald during the treatment, which will go on till the last week of March before the process of rehabilitation starts in April.

 

After being diagnosed with the illness, Yuvraj has not played competitive cricket since taking part in two of three home Tests against the West Indies in November.

 

He has so far scored 8,051 runs in 274 one-dayers and 1,775 runs in 37 Tests since making his international debut in 2000.

 

He was named Player of the Tournament in the World Cup for scoring 362 runs and grabbing 15 wickets in nine matches.

 

During the treatment, Yuvraj had been paid a visit by legendary former Indian spinner Anil Kumble.

Yuvraj has been reading the autobiography of the inspiring Lance Armstrong and was elated to receive get well soon wishes from the Tour-de-France champion.  (PTI)

Yuvraj Singh shares picture on Twitter flaunting 'Yuvstrong' cap

Yuvraj Singh shares picture on Twitter flaunting 'Yuvstrong' cap

Boston: March 01, 2012

Yuvraj Singh, who is undergoing chemotherapy presently in USA, tweeted a picture of his with a cap stating 'Yuvstrong.'

 

Earlier the southpaw tweeted about completing second cycle of chemotherapy.

"Second cycle has finished today ! Had a bleomycin shot feeling weak but I'm sure tom will be a better day ! My next scan dated on 7th march."

 

Yuvraj is consulting Dr Einhorn, the same oncologist who had treated legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong. Arsmtrong suffered from testicular cancer in 1996.

 

"Got very good news from dr lawrence today! The tumor is almost way out of the system Aftr reading my todays scan! Second cycle has started," Yuvraj he had tweeted earlier.

He has been reading the autobiography of the inspiring Lance Armstrong and was elated to receive get well soon wishes from the Tour-de-France champion. 

Yuvraj has been updating about his health on the popular networking site continuously. He had earlier tweeted on February 16 that the tumour was almost out of his system.

Yuvraj Singh is a fighter; will recover soon: Kevin Pietersen

Yuvraj Singh is a fighter; will recover soon: Kevin Pietersen

By CricketCountry Staff

 

Mumbai: Mar 4, 2012

 

England's star batsman Kevin Pietersen has wished ailing Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh a speedy recovery.

 

Pietersen was quoted by BCCI's website as saying, "It's tragic what's happened to Yuvi. He's going through a tough time and it's not fair to talk about him in terms of cricket at the moment. Right now the only important thing is for him to get back to full fitness as soon as possible."

 

The star cricketer said Yuvraj is a fighter and will return to action sooner. "We all care for him and we don't like to see a fellow professional suffer from an illness like this. He's a strong bloke. In the past he's fought back into the Test team after being dropped. He was the hero of the 2011 World Cup. The man's a fighter; and he's one of the most talented cricketers that India has produced. I look forward to renewing my friendship on the field with him in the not-too-distant future. I'm in touch with him regularly. He'll be okay," said Pietersen.

 

Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has completed the second cycle of chemotherapy, continuing his recovery from a rare germ cell cancer in Boston (United States).

 

Pietersen a new entrant in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Daredevils is excited about playing for his new franchise. He said," I'm excited. The concept of the IPL is a magnificent one. Something very special was started four years back and it's reached a different high. It's a free-spirited entertainment package that we all enjoy. The franchises now have their group of supporters. The players love it and I certainly love it."

 

The flamboyant batsman will be a part of an intimidating line-up like that of Daredevils which boasts the likes of Virender Sehwag, David Warner, and Mahela Jayawardene.

 

When asked if he has evr been part of such a batting line-up he replied, " No. Never ever. It is a formidable line-up and hopefully, a one that fires. Viru is a superstar. Warner won't be there for most of the tournament that I'm there [for] and Jayawardene flies off with me as we play each other in a Test series in Sri Lanka. Yes, it is a very strong line-up but you've still got to do the basics, see and hit the ball."

 

Pietersen, who has been in good form of late, hopes to carry the form in the fifth edition of the IPL.

 

"Luckily, I've come into some form and hopefully, will carry it into the IPL. I've got a very good record in India and I topped the run-getters' chart [for RCB] in the 2010 IPL season. I love playing in India; I enjoy the wickets here and boundaries are not very big," said Pietersen.

Yuvraj, Big B inspire each other on Twitter

Yuvraj, Big B inspire each other on Twitter

New Delhi: Both Yuvraj Singh and Amitabh Bachchan are battling serious ailments. While Yuvraj is undergoing chemotherapy for a rare germ cell cancer in Boston, Big B has underwent a couple of abdominal surgeries and is recovering at a Mumbai hospital.

On Tuesday, both the stalwarts wished each other quick recovery on Twitter.

Yuvraj tweeted: "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The most massive characters are seamed with scars..." 

Mr Bachchan replied: "@yuvsingh09 could not agree with you more ... hope you are doing well Yuvraj .. prayers for your speedy recovery." 

Yuvi thanked him for his wishes and said: "and one of the biggest examples is you mr bachchan ! Thank you very much I'm better each day." 

On February 14, Yuvraj gave a great piece of news to all his fans as a Valentine's Day gift. He tweeted that his tumour was almost out of his system.

"Got very good news from dr lawrence today! The tumor is almost way out of the system Aftr reading my todays scan !Second cycle has started."

Dr Einhorn, who is known to be the among the best cancer doctors in the world, had also treated legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong, who had suffered from testicular cancer in 1996.

Yuvraj, who has been in Boston since last month, is expected to be back on the field in the first week of May, according to his doctor. His second cycle of chemotherapy has started.

The 30-year-old, who went to US last month, has gone bald during the treatment, which will go on till the last week of March before the process of rehabilitation starts in April.

After being diagnosed with the illness, Yuvraj has not played competitive cricket since taking part in two of three home Tests against the West Indies in November.

He has so far scored 8,051 runs in 274 one-dayers and 1,775 runs in 37 Tests since making his international debut in 2000. He was named Player of the Tournament in the World Cup for scoring 362 runs and grabbing 15 wickets in nine matches.

Amitabh Bachchan prays for Yuvraj Singh's speedy recovery

Amitabh Bachchan prays for Yuvraj Singh's speedy recovery

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is himself recuperating at a hospital inMumbai following two abdominal surgeries, wishes a quick recovery to ailing cricketer Yuvraj Singh.

Yuvraj, who is undergoing treatment for lung cancer in the US, on Tuesday posted a positive message on Twitter, stating: "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The most massive characters are seamed with scars."

To this, Big B posted: "Could not agree with you more ... hope you are doing well Yuvraj ... prayers for your speedy recovery."

While Amitabh has been at the Seven Hills Hospital since February 11,Yuvraj is undergoing chemotherapy at the Boston Institute of Cancer Research in the US.

Yuvraj praised the 69-year-old's strength, and added in response: "@SrBachchan and one of the biggest examples is you Mr. Bachchan! Thank you very much I'm better each day."

Amitabh too is responding well to his treatment, and should be discharged from the hospital in a few days. However, he says his full recovery could take months.

--
Mahi

Puzzling case of ailing Yuvraj Singh

Puzzling case of ailing Yuvraj Singh

"Does Yuvi have cancer?" When a top Sahara India official asked India Today that question with unremitting intensity in November 2011 as cricketer Yuvraj Singh's health troubles hit the headlines, the big picture was still unclear. Pieces of the puzzle came together on February 4. Just as news leaked out that Yuvraj was battling cancer, Sahara India, the main sponsor of Indian cricket team, threatened to pull out. The official reason? Yuvraj's health.

The news, leaked by an unexpected source, Yuvraj's own physiotherapist, Dr Jatin Chaudhury, was confirmed on February 6. His oncologist, Dr Nikesh Rohatgi of Max HealthCare, Delhi, said in a press conference that Yuvraj had an unusual cancer, a mediastinal seminoma. After months of stony silence, the BCCI went public the same day, "Please respect Yuvraj's privacy."

Easier said than done, when an unfamiliar disease label does the rounds. "It's a tumour of the testis," says thoracic surgeon Dr Arvind Kumar of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. "But in extremely rare cases, it can also appear on its own in other parts of the body, say, the abdomen or the chest."

Going by his reports, Yuvraj has a fairly large lump outside the left lung, which is sandwiched between the heart and the lung, in the mediastinum, that is, the middle section of the chest cavity. "It's a cancer that affects males primarily between the age of 20 and 35," Kumar says. "It's a rising menace, and for reasons not understood yet, seems to affect affluent sections of society." But a worryingly long time has gone by since Yuvraj's problem started. "That's because they are asymptomatic," explains Dr Raja Dhar, respiratory physician with Fortis Hospital, Kolkata. "Early symptoms-shortness of breath or swelling of the face-often go undetected." Research also shows that late detection is typical in people leading hectic lives.

Between the need for privacy and fervid public curiosity, far too many claims have complicated the issue. Who came up with the concept of a "non-malignant lymphoma" in November 2011? Lymphomas are by definition malignant. His mother, Shabnam Singh, has called it a "soft tissue growth", yet a Delhi doctor is claiming that he detected "malignancy" in May-June 2011. Chaudhury is asserting that detection got delayed by "wrong diagnosis" and reports being stolen from his car.

Yuvraj is being his typical self, exchanging banter with the hospital staff at the Cancer Research Institute in Boston, US, says his father Yograj Singh. His doctors in the US and in India have sent out a word of reassurance: "It's 95 per cent curable. With the help of therapy, Yuvraj should be back on track by May."

Recovering Yuvraj Singh inspired by Armstrong message

Recovering Yuvraj Singh inspired by Armstrong message

Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, has tweeted that he is feeling "better" after receiving a message of support from cycling legend Lance Armstrong.

"Go Yuvi! Livestrong," said the message, which Yuvraj put up on his Twitter account.

Armstrong, who was treated for testicular cancer, runs a foundation called Livestrong for cancer survivors.

Yuvraj is being treated in the US for a rare form of cancer, which is curable.

"I want you to know that the entire Livestrong team is here for you. We say it all the time, and truly believe in it. Knowledge is power, unity is strength and attitude is everything," said the message from Armstrong.

"Please know that we are here to help you and your family in any way possible."

Yuvraj tweeted that the message "makes me feel better".

"Thank you Lance, means a lot, hope we can meet," he said.

Earlier, Yuvraj had said he was reading the autobiography of Armstrong, who recovered from testicular cancer, and that he would like to meet the cyclist.

The 30-year-old cricketer is being treated for a rare form of cancer, called seminoma.

Yuvraj's health first deteriorated during the World Cup last year, in which he was the man of the tournament and helped India win the trophy for the first time since 1983.

Against Ireland, Yuvraj became the first player to take five wickets and score 50 in a World Cup match.

News bbc.co.uk

Amitabh Bachchan shocked to hear about Yuvraj Singh

Amitabh Bachchan shocked to hear about Yuvraj Singh

Mumbai: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he is shocked to hear about star cricketer Yuvraj Singh's illness and prays for his well being.

"Shocked to learn of Yuvraj Singh down with cancer..Yuvraj if you read this, know that we all pray for you..All shall and will be well," Amitabh wrote on his Twitter page.

Yuvraj has been diagnosed with a malignant tumour in his lung and is currently undergoing chemotherapy at the Cancer Research Institute in Boston, US.

Hrithik, KJo remember Abhishek's fancy dress B'day party

Hrithik Roshan and Karan Johar went down the memory lane - while the former reemembered dressing up for Abhishek Bachchan's theme based birthday parties, the latter still can't forget making a fool of himself at one such bash.

Hrithik and Karan took to Twitter to wish Abhishek on his birthday Sunday to share the childhood memories.

"@juniorbachchan miss the happy birthday parties in the backyard. Chor police, cowboys, the fancy dress memories! But you'v always been d GURU of all good things personified," Hrithik posted.

To which Karan responded, saying, "@iHrithik @juniorbachchan...yes and I came as superman when there was NO fancy dress theme!! AB never let's me forget how idiotic I looked!!"

Hrithik futher tweeted @kjohar25 @juniorbachchan: "And we have pictures to prove it!! Haha, you were always ahead of times even then!"

Abhishek too tweeted, saying, "@kjohar25 @ihrithik well well well. The less said on that topic the better."

Preeti's liveliness wows 'Yeh Hai Mumbai' director

Preeti Jhangiani is so full of life that she didn't have to pretend to play the role in 'Yeh Hai Mumbai', says director Sneh Tulli. "Preeti is playing a bubbly character, which is not very different from her real life character. She is so sweet and well-behaved that even during breaks she used to ask me if anything was required or if she could go to her vanity," said Tulli.

Tully added: "Preeti in her real life is always full of life and very bubbly, so while shooting she didn't had to pretend."

The actress, who made her Bollywood debut with Yash Raj's 'Mohabbatein', is believed to keep the atmosphere on the sets very delightful.

"As soon as Preeti shows up on the sets, the atmosphere on the sets, and cast and crew light up, there is smile on everyone's face and the environment becomes very relaxed," said a source.

Celebrities wish Yuvraj Singh a speedy recovery

Celebrities wish Yuvraj Singh a speedy recovery

The news of cricketer Yuvraj Singh diagnosed with cancer went viral on Sunday afternoon, with celebs vouching their support for him and praying for his speedy recovery.

The 30-year-old was first diagnosed with a non-malignant tumour of the lungs last year, but further tests revealed that it was cancer. He’s now undergoing chemotherapy in the United States of America.

Yuvraj, who has been undergoing chemotherapy since January, broke the secrecy around his illness when he blogged on January 27,“Reading Lance Armstrong’s book, it’s not about the bike! I’m sure it will motivate me and pull me through this time! Livestrong Yuvstrong.” Lance Armstrong is a cyclist who won multiple Tour de France titles after being treated for testicular cancer. 

Yuvi, who’s popular with B-Towners, has had messages and support pouring out to him from Bollywood. Actor Amitabh Bachchan tweeted, “Shocked to learn of Yuvraj Singh down with cancer..Yuvraj if you read this, know that we all pray for you.. All shall and will be well.” He later advised, “Yuvraj, get up in the morning and say” it out loud —Everyday in every way I am getting better and better !!” You will !!”

Actor Dia Mirza posted, “Very upset to hear about Yuvraj! Let’s pray for his recovery. I know he’s a fighter and he’ll win this match.” Actor Ameesha Patel, who was once linked with the cricketer,was shocked to learn his illness. “Praying for my friend Yuvraj. He has to get well. Everyone pls pray for him .. He must fight this awful illness.”

It is not just the film industry that has extended their support to him. Liquor baron, Vijay Mallya, who’s close to him, wrote, “I am devastated 2 hear that my friend Yuvraj Singh has cancer. I pray 2 Balaji that he recovers n is back in action.” Politico Omar Addullah posted, “Here’s wishing Yuvraj Singh a speedy & complete recovery. On a good day there are few cricketers more exciting than him.” Gujarat CM Narendra Modi too, said, “Sad to hear about ill-health of Yuvraj Singh. He is a fighter and am sure he’ll come out of it very soon and play again for India.”

News dnaindia

Government will help Yuvraj Singh in cancer fight: Ajay Maken

NEW DELHI: Sports minister Ajay Maken has promised government help to cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who is undergoing chemotherapy in the United States to recover from lung cancer. 

"Wish Yuvraj a speedy recovery! Asking officials to find the quantum and nature of help required. Government should & will help him," Maken tweeted. 

Yuvraj, who played a stellar role in India's ODI World Cup triumph last year, has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy at the Cancer Research Institute in Boston. 

The 30-year-old left-hander has been in US since last month being treated for what was earlier claimed to be a tumour in the lungs by his family. 

His physiotherapist Dr Jatin Chaudhary has, however, assured that the ailment is curable and the batsman would be fit to resume cricket in May. 

"It is a rare tumour and is cancerous but it has been detected in stage one itself. Doctors had to decide whether to continue medication or go for chemotherapy but since parts of the tumour are just above the artery of his heart, there was a danger that while running it could burst. But it is 100 per cent curable," Chaudhary said. 

"The doctors decided that he would have to undergo chemotherapy and he travelled to the US on January 26. End of March, he would undergo a CT scan and should recover by then. After that it is just some rehabilitation in April before he is fit to be back on the field in May," Chaudhary added. 

"Thankfully no surgery is required, he is already a lot better than what he was and can't wait to be back on the cricket field." 

Yuvraj, who was Player of the Tournament in the World Cup last year with 362 runs, 15 wickets and four Man-of-the-Match awards, has also been taking ayurvedic medicines to battle the disease. 

Yuvraj has played 37 Tests, scoring 1775 runs at an average of 34.80. 

He has 8051 runs at an average of 37.62 from his 274-match ODI career. In 23 Twenty20s, Yuvraj has scored 567 runs at 31.50. 

"Once he is done with chemo in March, his rehabilitation would be complete by April end and he would be perfectly fit to play in May," Chaudhary has said.

News 

timesofindia.indiatime

Yuvraj fighting cancer India wishes speedy recovery

India prays and wishes for Yuvraj Singh's recovery: Video

The reports of cricketer Yuvraj Singh undergoing treatment for lung cancer in the US are making his fans pray hard for his recovery. The 30-year-old cricketer was first diagnosed with a non-malignant tumour in October last year, and is said to be undergoing chemotherapy at the Cancer Research.

Tweeting their support:

Dia Mirza, actor: Very upset to hear about Yuvraj! Let’s pray for his recovery. I know he’s a fighter and he’ll win this match

Narendra Modi, CM, Gujarat: Sad to hear about ill-health of Yuvraj Singh. He is a fighter and am sure he’ll come out of it very soon and play again for India

Omar Abdullah, chief minister, Jammu & Kashmir: Here’s wishing Yuvraj Singh a speedy & complete recovery. On a good day there are few cricketers more exciting than him

Rohan Bopanna, tennis player: Wishing #Yuvraj Singh a speedy recovery, all our prayers and good wishes are with him

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, entrepreneur: I wish Yuvraj Singh a speedy recovery.

Archana Vijaya, sports anchor: Here's wishing @yuvsingh09 the best, if doesn’t kill you, it only makes you stronger my friend!! May God bless our champion Yuvi

Yuvraj Singhzone: Yuvraj Singh trending worldwide.How can something bad happen to a person with so many good wishes n prayers!Yuvi will b bck soon!#yuvstrong

Nikhil Chinappa, VJ: Prayers for Yuvi

Heard about Yuvraj Singh’s ill health. Hope he recovers soon. Prayers wid him n his family. Here’s wishing him all d best: Smriti Irani, actor-politician.