JOHANNESBURG, March 9: Yuvraj Singh, a former child film actor who switched careers to embrace India’s other passion, is finally shaking off criticism about his attitude and abilities.

The 21-year-old left-hander has emerged as the prime finisher at the World Cup, sharing major partnerships in India’s last three victories over England, Pakistan and Kenya.

Batting at number six, he has scored 195 runs in seven matches at an excellent average of 48.75 to add steel to the middle order.

Yuvraj has shown he relishes the big stage. He hit his second consecutive 50 on Friday, an unbeaten 58 which took India to victory over Kenya in company with captain Saurav Ganguly.

He demonstrated similar composure in his 53-ball unbeaten 50 which carried India to an emotional group win over Pakistan last week.

Yuvraj made a dream first One-day International innings in 2000, smashing a match-winning 84 in an upset Indian victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy in Nairobi.

Coming shortly after his heroics with the World Cup winning under-19 team, Yuvraj seemed set for a smooth ride to the top.

Instead, the slide began almost before the tournament ended.

Attacked for his attitude in his subsequent poor run, Yuvraj soon found himself out of the side.

Some even predicted he would go the way of his father Yograj, a fast bowler who was discarded after just one Test.

But Ganguly remained steadfastly behind Yuvraj and he vindicated his captain’s faith last year with a breezy 69 to help propel India to victory over hosts England in a tri-series final.

Yuvraj is also a brilliant cover point fielder.

His most memorable moment came at the Champions Trophy last September, when his flying catch to dismiss his idol Jonty Rhodes helped India pull off a close semifinal victory over South Africa.

Ganguly is delighted by Yuvraj’s success.

“He is a natural match-winner,” he said. “I am really happy for him, after all the problems he has faced.

“He is a fantastic talent. He has matured so much in the last year.”—Reuters