Yuvraj Singh conferred with doctorate by ITM University

What's the story?

Indian cricket team batsman Yuvraj Singh has another feather in his cap as he was conferred with a doctorate degree in Philosophy Honoris Causa (Ph.D h.c.) by ITM University, Gwalior.

He was awarded the doctorate for his"extraordinary sporting prowess and as a catalyst of change with great integrity and humility"

In response, Yuvraj felt honoured to receive the degree.

"I am honoured to have been awarded this doctorate. In a way, it gives me an additional responsibility of holding the honour with great integrity and continue to live by example in everything I do," he said.

Parallels from history

Many Indian cricketers have been awarded doctorates in the past for their achievements. Former Indian captains Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni were conferred with doctorates by Assam University and de Montfort University respectively.

Recently, Rahul Dravid, too, was offered with a doctorate from Bangalore University but refused the same.

The details:

After his battle with cancer and return to the Indian cricket team, Yuvraj started a non-charitable organization - YouWeCan Foundation in 2012 under the Bombay Trust Act 1950.

He is currently battling to make a comeback to the Indian cricket team after being dropped shortly after the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.

He is working on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and is looking to pass the "yo-yo" Test in the upcoming months.

Author's take:

Yuvraj has been a role model for millions of people and the doctorate he has achieved is commensurate with the hard work he has put in on and off the field.

While many believe that Yuvraj will not be able to make a comeback to the Indian cricket team, he will look to prove them wrong, as he has done on numerous occasions in the past.