Yuvraj Samra, the 19-year-old batter from Canada, has etched his name in the annals of history by becoming the youngest batter to score a century in T20 World Cup history.
In the must-win Group D encounter of the T20 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand, the 19-year-old opener played an audacious knock of 110 runs off 65 balls, leading Canada to a respectable score of 173/4.
Yuvraj’s name and batting style, which are quite synonymous with Indian cricket great Yuvraj Singh, make this achievement all the more touching and lyrical. But little did we know, the Canadian cricketer shares a very special connection with the former Indian cricketing great.
Yuvraj Samra Century In Chennai
The 2026 T20 World Cup was marked by a major change when Yuvraj became the first player from an Associate nation to hit a hundred in the history of the World Cups. At only 19 years and 141 days, he broke the record previously held by Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad.
In the legendary M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Samra got to his hundred in just 58 balls, hitting the experienced New Zealand bowlers for 11 fours and 6 huge sixes. His opening partnership of 116 with the captain, Dilpreet Bajwa, was a new record for Associate teams playing against Full Members.
The Yuvraj Singh Connection
The “Special Yuvraj Singh Connection” of Samra is not just a mere coincidence. His father, Baljit Singh Samra, a massive fan of the 2007 and 2011 World Cup hero, named his son after the Indian cricketing icon Yuvraj Singh. Born in Brampton, Ontario, the youngster was even nudged by his father to bat left-handed to emulate his namesake.
The connection goes beyond the name; Samra possesses the same raw power and flair that defined Singh’s career.
He didn’t just inherit a name.
He inherited a belief.
Yuvraj Samra switched from right-handed to left-handed batting because his father was inspired by Yuvraj Singh.Youngest to score 💯 in ICC T20 WORLD CUP..
Yuvraj Samra with his idol Yuvraj Singh 👇 pic.twitter.com/EGDT9C0nxw
— 𝑨𝑻10 (@Loyalsachfan10) February 17, 2026
