Dashing cricketing and style bhai Yuvraj Singh flirted, hugged and posed with fans for a good cause at Durban’s Elangeni Hotel on Tuesday evening.
And it certainly paid off for the Indian cricketer and Kings XI Punjab skipper who raked in a substantial R220000 for the Western Cape-based Grootbos Foundation, recipient of his charitable drive, Cricket Beyond Boundaries. The fundraising bash was hosted by dynamic Indian actress Mandira Bedi, stunning in a black satin, spaghetti-strap sheath dress with a crystal-encrusted panel. Bedi, introduced by travel and events specialist Sundru Pillay (stylish in an embossed waistcoat), and Singh set the tone at the R950 a head function with their informal bantering and rapport. The bowler, who proved Singh is King after bagging two hat-tricks in the IPL series, had the guests in stitches when he read out in monotone, without glancing up at the audience, his written speech including thanking everyone for their donations and bidding them good night. This prompted Bedi to remark that Singh should stick to balls and cricket.
The talented cricketer and Bedi worked the room like Bonnie and Clyde, unashamedly turning on the charm and cajoling guests to part with their cash for Singh’s signed jersey, bat, tickets to the double-header the next day and jerseys signed by the captains of the eight competing teams .