“Started building my warrior mode”, Stuart Broad reflects on being hit 6 sixes in 6 balls by Yuvraj Singh.

England fast bowler Stuart Broad has candidly revealed that a significant turning point in his cricketing career was the moment he was hit for six consecutive sixes by former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Reflecting on one of the toughest moments he faced on the field, the 37-year-old credited that experience for toughening him mentally and shaping him into the fierce competitor he is today. After a remarkable career, Broad announced his retirement on Saturday, right after Day 3 of the fifth and final Ashes 2023 Test at The Oval.

Yuvraj’s brutal assault on Broad, scoring 36 runs in a single over, could have been demoralizing for any bowler. However, Broad managed to rise above the setback and evolve into one of the most successful bowlers in Test cricket. Currently standing as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in Tests, he has claimed an impressive 602 scalps at an average of 27.66.

During a press conference following the conclusion of the third day’s play at The Oval, Broad shared how being at the receiving end of Yuvraj’s onslaught had a profound impact on him. Rather than allowing it to shatter his confidence, Broad used the experience as a catalyst for growth. He dedicated himself to working harder, refining his skills, and developing the resilience required to excel at the highest level of the game.

Stuart Board said “Yeah, it was obviously a pretty tough day. What would I have been: 21, 22? [22] I learned loads. I pretty much based a whole mental routine through that experience knowing that I was left very short as an international performer in that moment. I’d rushed my preparation. I didn’t have any sort of pre-ball routine. I didn’t have any focus, particularly, and I started building my ‘warrior mode’ that I call it after that experience.”

He added “Ultimately, of course, I wish that didn’t happen. I think what really helped me was it was a dead rubber, so it didn’t feel like I’d knocked us out of the World Cup or something. But I think it steeled me up to make me the competitor I am to this day and has driven me forward a huge amount,”