While the makers are yet to reveal who will play Yuvraj Singh on screen, Mid-Day looks at some of the Bollywood actors who are well-suited to star in the biopic of the former Team India all-rounder.
When two of India’s most celebrated industries—Bollywood and sports—combine forces, the excitement reaches unprecedented heights. From biopics of legendary Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to the late runner Milkha Singh, actors like Sushant Singh Rajput and Farhan Akhtar have delivered memorable performances that etched these sports personalities’ stories into the annals of popular culture. So, when T-Series honcho Bhushan Kumar, along with film producer Ravi Bhagchandka, announced that they are bringing the life of Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh to the big screen, fans were understandably ecstatic.
Indian cricket fans are well-acquainted with Yuvraj Singh, who played a pivotal role in India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2007. His remarkable feat of hitting six consecutive sixes off Stuart Broad’s over against England remains one of the most iconic moments in cricket history. Later, despite battling cancer, Yuvraj showed incredible resilience, clinching the Man of the Series trophy for the ODI World Cup in 2011 and helping India secure the World Cup under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. The film promises to highlight not only the six sixes but also other significant milestones in Yuvraj Singh’s illustrious cricketing career.
While the official announcement of the actor to portray Yuvraj Singh is still awaited, here are some Bollywood actors who could potentially do justice to the role.
### Herry Tangiri
Top on the list is Herry Tangiri, who fittingly played Yuvraj Singh’s younger version in the biopic of MS Dhoni. Tangiri managed to capture Yuvraj’s essence perfectly, from his distinctive walk to his iconic swagger. Fans have been actively voicing their approval on social media, believing he would be the perfect choice for Yuvraj Singh’s biopic. Tangiri’s past performance makes him a strong contender for this coveted role.
### Ranbir Kapoor
Interestingly, Ranbir Kapoor seems to be Yuvraj Singh’s personal choice. During an event in January 2024, when asked which actor he would prefer for his biopic, Yuvraj mentioned, “I recently saw Animal, and Ranbir was amazing. It was a very powerful role, but ultimately, it’s the director’s call. We’re working on it, and I’m sure good news will follow soon.” Given his stellar performance in the biopic ‘Sanju,’ where he flawlessly portrayed the life of Sanjay Dutt, Ranbir Kapoor’s potential performance as Yuvraj Singh is highly anticipated.
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### Ayushmann Khurrana
Ayushmann Khurrana is another strong contender for the role. Known for his versatility and ability to adapt to different characters, Khurrana could bring a unique flavor to the biopic. Interestingly, Khurrana has a cricketing background, having played under-19 district-level cricket, and he bats left-handed, just like Yuvraj Singh. His genuine love for the sport combined with his acting chops makes him a dark horse in this race.
### Agastya Nanda
New to the Bollywood scene but already creating ripples, Agastya Nanda could also be a promising choice. The grandchild of Amitabh Bachchan, Agastya made his debut with ‘The Archies.’ His jovial persona and fuller face give off a vibe that closely resembles that of Yuvraj Singh. It would indeed be fascinating to see a newcomer bring such a legendary sports figure to life on screen.
### Abhay Verma
Lastly, Abhay Verma has risen as a potential candidate for this role recently. Following the success of his movie ‘Munjya,’ Verma has become a fresh yet promising face in the Hindi film industry. His naturally curly hair and cricketing background enhance his compatibility for Yuvraj Singh’s role. During an interview with Mid-Day, Verma revealed he used to play cricket during his teenage years in Panipat and once aspired to become a cricketer. This adds another layer of authenticity to his potential portrayal of the cricketing icon.
When two of India’s most celebrated industries—Bollywood and sports—combine efforts to narrate a story as powerful as Yuvraj Singh’s, the result is bound to be spectacular. From Mahendra Singh Dhoni to Milkha Singh, various biopics have successfully captured the audience’s imagination, thanks to outstanding performances by actors like Sushant Singh Rajput and Farhan Akhtar. This time around, Bhushan Kumar and Ravi Bhagchandka’s project on Yuvraj Singh is expected to be nothing short of extraordinary.
The cricket legend’s career will be depicted, focusing on his significant milestones, including the unforgettable six sixes off Stuart Broad’s over and the battles he fought on and off the field, including his victorious fight against cancer. The anticipation continues to build as the world awaits the final decision on which actor will personify Yuvraj Singh in this much-awaited biopic.
