Yuvraj returns home after winning battle against cancer (Roundup)

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) India's star batsman Yuvraj Singh returned home Monday to a rousing reception after his successful treatment for a rare germ cell cancer in the United States.

Yuvraj had been resting in London for some time after undergoing treatment for three months at the Boston Institute of Cancer Research.

Yuvraj posed with his mother Shabnam for shutterbugs as a huge crowd gathered at the Indira Gandhi International Airport for a glimpse of India's 2011 World Cup hero. He then left for his residence in Gurgaon.

Yuvraj waved at the huge crowd that had assembled outside his house since morning. He will address the media Wednesday.

"I am happy to be back home. Recovering well," said Yuvraj, adding that his first meal at home was gobi paranthas.

Shabnam said her son was doing fine.

"Yuvraj is fine. He has to rest for 10-15 days. Yuvi will meet his doctor after three months. He has fought a long innings against cancer. We are grateful to his fans for their support and wishes," said Shabnam.

Yuvraj's father, Yograj Singh told television channels that he hoped to see him back on the cricket field soon.

"Yuvi has fought a battle very difficult to cope up with. He is very strong... He has come back hail and hearty and that is a beautiful moment for me," he said.

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who visited Yuvraj in London last week, welcomed the Southpaw's return alongside another India teammate Virender Sehwag.

"Got well soon?. Welcome back home my brother after winning a tough battle with cancer," tweeted Sachin.

Sehwag has already made plans of meeting Yuvraj and so does his Delhi Daredevils teammate Kevin Pietersen.

"I am very happy Yuvraj is back. We all prayed for him. I will go and meet him in the next two-three days.

"He is presently under rehabilitation and I hope he will return to the field soon," Sehwag said.

Prominent international names Pietersen and Mahela Jayawardene, who are here for Indian Premier League, spoke highly of Yuvraj's fighting abilities.

"I was lucky enough to speak to Yuvraj last night before his return from London. I plan to meet him this week," said England's star batsman Pietersen.

"As a sportsperson our job is to accommodate and support our fellow cricketers in their difficult times. Yuvraj is a fighter and he will fight through this period also," he added.

Sri Lanka captain Jayawardene said he was looking forward to "playing against Yuvraj" sooner than later.

Yuvraj's hero, legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong, who also survived cancer, wished the cricketer through micro-blogging site Twitter. Yuvraj had looked up to Armstong as a motivation during his battle with the disease.

"Hi Yuvi, I am Lance Armstrong and welcome home. Man you have got one big following, I have heard about you every hour of every day since you have been diagnosed. We are pulling for you, so glad you are healthy now. Have a great life, don't look back, live strong buddy," the American said in a 19-minute video posted on Twitter.

The 2011 World Cup Man of the Series last played an international match in November. He went to the United States for treatment in January.