Cricket legend Yuvraj Singh will once again lead India Champions as captain in the second season of the World Championship of Legends, starting July 18 in England. The defending champions have announced their 16-member squad, with former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan making his tournament debut after retiring from international cricket.

The tournament runs until August 2 across four English venues - Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, County Ground in Northampton, Grace Road in Leicester, and Headingley. Six teams representing India, Pakistan, Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa will play 18 matches in a round-robin format before the top four advance to playoffs.

India's squad packs serious firepower with Yuvraj Singh leading a batting lineup that includes Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan. The all-rounders Irfan Pathan and Stuart Binny add depth, while the bowling attack features veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh alongside pace bowlers Vinay Kumar, Siddharth Kaul, Varun Aaron, and Abhimanyu Mithun. Piyush Chawla, Pawan Negi, and Gurkeerat Maan complete the 16-man roster.

The biggest match comes on July 20 when India faces Pakistan at Edgbaston - the same venue where India beat Pakistan in last year's final. "I'm looking forward to represent our nation at the World Championship of Legends again. The memories of our first title win, alongside my teammates, are cherished and unforgettable," Yuvraj said about returning as captain.

India will also play South Africa on July 22, Australia on July 26, England on July 27, and the West Indies on July 29 during the group stage. The tournament is backed by Bollywood star Ajay Devgn and travel company EaseMyTrip, with the England and Wales Cricket Board giving it official approval.

Tournament founder Harshit Tomar believes the event gives cricket legends a chance to shine again. "I've always seen this tournament as a way forward for cricket to have its future through its senior cricketers. Our cricketing heroes are our sentiments, and hosting them to the best of our ability has always been our vision," he explained.

Last year's inaugural tournament was a huge hit, with India beating Pakistan by five wickets in a thrilling final. The same rivalry will be renewed this summer, with fans expecting another classic encounter between the two cricketing giants.

As defending champions, India enters the tournament as favorites to retain their title. With experienced players like Yuvraj, Harbhajan, and the Pathan brothers back in action, they'll be tough to beat. The World Championship of Legends has quickly become a celebration of cricket's golden era, proving these legends still have plenty left in the tank.