Love in the time of demonetisation: Is Yuvraj Singh a true patriot?

Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his demonetisation drive, Virat Kohli could not contain his glee and hailed it as the greatest political move in Indian history.

Virender Sehwag was trolled mercilessly after he compared the long queues at banks and ATMs to Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad's sacrifice - the soldier was buried under 35-feet snow for six days before rescue teams found him. However, he breathed his last at a Delhi hospital.

Trolls wanted to know if Sehwag has ever had to stand in those serpentine queues to withdraw Rs 2,500.

In an interview with Aaj Tak, the former opener clarified that he did not have to go through that ordeal (what with his debit cards and accompanying coterie of friends and family).

"Demonetisation could be a pain for some, but it could be a gain in the longer run," he said. "And if the soldiers could sacrifice so much, why couldn't the common citizens of India?" he added.

That's the clarion call for sacrifice y'all.

The first to pay heed, it seems, was Yuvraj Singh.

With our soldiers constantly exchanging fire and avenging the gruesome deaths of their compatriots, Yuvi, the undisputed hero of India's 2011 World Cup triumph, decided to make a valiant sacrifice for his wedding.

Yuvraj has chosen to enter holy matrimony with his one true love in the time of demonetisation. Now, that we all know, is no mean feat to accomplish.

For starters, Yuvi's family would be allowed to withdraw only Rs 2.5 lakh from their bank account. A pittance really, given Singh's stature as one of the most successful limited-overs cricketers of all times.

Besides, Yuvraj also went to Parliament to invite Modi and his ministers for the wedding.

The ceremony itself wouldn't be a glamorous affair. If you are thinking of another glitzy affair like the Harbhjan Singh-Geeta Basra wedding or the star-studded ceremony for Suresh Raina, you can forget about it. Once, the most eligible bachelor in the country, Yuvraj will invite only 60 guests to his wedding.

It is safe to assume the Indian cricket team wouldn't be in attendance. They'd be busy with England in Mohali. Harbhajan Singh would be a certainty and it would be surprising if Sachin Tendulkar didn't show up.

"We, as a family, have always believed in simplicity. In a country where a majority of the population lives in abject poverty, people should spend reasonably at weddings," said Yuvi's father Yograj, who also said it was better to donate money to charity organisations instead of spending it on "lavish parties".

Ahem!

Speaking of lavish parties, Farah Khan is set to choreograph the sangeet ceremony but, of course, there's no money involved. Yuvi calls Farah his sister and it's more like a wedding gift to her little brother.

One of India's most influential batsmen (in the shorter formats) is tying the knot with a stunning beauty, who has had her tryst with Bollywood destiny, in a simple affair, devoid of much extravaganza.

There are soldiers dying in the borders and civilians dying at ATM queues.

Yuvraj Singh, a wealthy cricketer, famed for his flamboyance, has decided to set an example after Kohli and Sehwag asked their countrymen to play their part in shaping India's history.

Also read: How demonetisation has rocked Bhojpuri pop music vibe