Cancer survivor Yuvraj Singh back for India

Indian all-rounder and World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh  will don national colours for the first time since battling cancer when a two-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand starts today.

The 30-year-old left-hander underwent chemotherapy in the United States in March and April to treat a rare germ-cell tumour between his lungs which was diagnosed late last year.

Yuvraj, who was man of the tournament in India's World Cup triumph last year, has not played competitive cricket since two home tests against the West Indies last November.

But the selectors recalled him as soon as he was declared fit by doctors at the National Cricket Academy  in Bangalore, where he had begun light training in July.

"It is hard to believe that I will be playing for India again," Yuvraj said ahead of the first Twenty20 game against the Black Caps  in the southern coastal town of Visakhapatnam. 

"A few months back I had trouble climbing four steps; now I can't wait to take the field. It is like starting a new life."