I've never cared much for Yuvraj Singh. His ego, his at times childish behaviour and love of the IPL (something else I have no time for) and of course, his inconsistency on the field mean that I've never rated the all-rounder too highly. To be honest, in the past I've jumped at the chance to criticise him. However, after India's World Cup success, I'm happy to eat my words.

Just nine months ago Yuvraj was dropped from India's 50-over squad on his country's return from the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, lacking both fitness and form, with his reputation in tatters.

On Saturday, a terrific World Cup for the 29-year-old was capped not only with team success, but also the ultimate personal redemption: the player of the tournament award.

And it was certainly deserved too; three man of the match awards, 362 runs at an average of over 90 and 15 wickets at an average of 25. Add to that countless runs saved in the field courtesy of great agility and dedication. It's easy to see why Yuvraj was an easy, perhaps the only, choice for the award.

It's not only on the field that Yuvraj has shown a change in attitude and increased maturity, in the post-match press conference after the quarter-final victory over Australia he appeared relaxed and down to earth, accessible and interested, not aloof and distant. Listening to him speak at the post-match presentation after the final once again there was a modesty so often missing, a genuine modesty.

Only those with intimate knowledge of the man will know what has fuelled the change, but for us outsiders we can only hope that it is a permanent one, that this is not a passing fad. Yuvraj has the talent and the ambition to shine for India and entertain fans for many years to come. Here is to hoping he does just that.