Yuvraj Singh played in the 2011 World Cup during that illness, later found out those were signs of cancer: Harbhajan Singh

MS Dhoni's title-winning six from the 2011 World Cup and Gautam Gambhir's 91-run top-order innings are two things about India’s historic victory that fans would never forget. The two batters put up one of the finest performances of their career under pressure after India lost Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar’s wickets early against Sri Lanka on the night of the final.

Yuvraj Singh was one of many outstanding players who made a difference in the team's success. Despite not being in the best of health, the all-rounder was crucial to India's World Cup triumph. After the conclusion of the ODI World Cup, it was discovered that Yuvraj Singh was diagnosed with cancer. 

Speaking about the 2011 World Cup, veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh narrated how Yuvraj would frequently cough in the center of the field during the games, only to later find out about his cancer.

“Yuvraj was unwell and he used to face anxiety before matches. Even while batting he used to cough, and sometimes puke. I used to ask him 'Why do you cough so much? Look at your age and what are you doing!' But we didn't know what he was going through, and he played in the World Cup during that illness. Later he found out those were signs of cancer. But then we were making fun of him as we were not aware of the situation, but hats off to the champion,” said Harbhajan on Star Sports.

India wouldn't have won the World Cup in 2011 if Yuvraj Singh wasn't there: Harbhajan

Yuvraj scored 362 runs in eight innings of nine matches at the World Cup and had a massive average of 90.50 as his campaign included four half centuries and one ton. With the ball, he picked up 15 wickets in the nine games and maintained a brilliant economy of 5.02 in the tournament. Looking at his immense contributions, Harbhajan believes that without Yuvraj in the team, India would not have advanced as far as they did in the World Cup.

“Not once but twice he helped us win the World Cup. I feel India wouldn't have won the World Cup in 2011 if Yuvraj Singh wasn't there. A player like Yuvraj was not there in the past, or now as they are one of a kind,” he further added.