Having played just six limited over games for India, Chandigarh born left hand bat Yuvraj Singh already finds himself an eminently saleable commodity in the brand market. The well built, striking lad has been signed up by Mumbai based marketing agency Percept D'Mark. An off shoot of parent company Percept, the agency is a relatively new player in the arena of sports sponsorships. The parent company however have been in the marketing business many years and handle several high profile clients including the likes of 'Siyaram Suitings' and 'Epson.' Apart from securing sponsorships, the agency will manage public appearances like social gatherings or charity events.

Newspapers and magazines alike have held him responsible for the revival of Indian cricket. It must be remembered that the matchfixing scandal that rocked the cricket world not long ago depressed the market for Indian cricketers in a big way. Advertisers in India - from cola drinks to televisions - dropped their highly paid cricketers and reverted to the staple diet of Hindi film stars. Financial papers across the country carried reports of how companies were prepared to even honour payment contracts, but chose not to air advertisements which starred tainted cricketers.

With the air not sufficiently cleared of allegations of matchfixing, the market has reacted favourably to the advent of fresh blood. "I believe," runs the caption on an advertisement for a prominent sports label that Yuvraj endorses. It goes on to say "Now watch me take guard and face the future." Although this might not be anything more than the customary hype, it bodes well for cricketers looking to make the megabucks.

Although Yuvraj Singh always had his eyes firmly set on seven figure endorsements, he is not new to luxury. Even before he played for India, the young man carried his own mobile phone and zipped around Chandigarh in a Honda City.

Former cricketers must look at the unfolding scenario with a wry smile. History is littered with cases of cricketers playing purely for the love of the game. A classic example would be the current chairman of selectors, Chandu Borde, whose decision opened doors for Yuvraj. Borde ended a distinguished career in 1969-70 and one cannot think of a single product he endorsed. Match fees in those days were nothing to write home about either.

If rumours are anything to go by, Yuvraj's remuneration is close to the seven figure mark. One can only hope that he bats like a millionaire too.

© CricInfo