New Delhi: Former Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh recently shared candid insights about his international career and retirement during a conversation with ex-tennis ace Sania Mirza on her YouTube show “Serving It Up with Sania.”
Yuvraj revealed that his decision to retire was driven by a lack of enjoyment and recognition in the sport. “I wasn’t enjoying playing anymore. I wasn’t getting the respect I felt I deserved. I thought I had given my best, and if there was nothing more I could offer, it was time to step away from the game,” he said.
The former explosive middle-order batsman also praised Abhishek Sharma, whom he considers a player reminiscent of his own batting style. “Watching Abhishek bat takes me back to my own playing days. His style is very similar to what I used to play,” Yuvraj remarked.
Four Years and Three Months of Hard Work
Yuvraj elaborated on Abhishek’s journey, noting that his rise was the result of four years and three months of structured training and dedication. “Abhishek had immense talent that could be taken to the highest level. I didn’t come to motivate him for the IPL; I came for him to play for India. I told him, focus on representing your country. He followed the plan for exactly four years and three months, and today he is part of the Indian team,” Yuvraj explained.
MS Dhoni’s Honest Feedback
Reflecting on the latter stages of his own career, Yuvraj shared a defining moment when MS Dhoni told him he was no longer part of the team’s future plans. “I had reached a point where playing cricket felt like a burden. I wasn’t enjoying it, I wasn’t getting respect, and I had nothing left to give mentally or physically. Why should I continue playing?” he said. Yuvraj added that stepping away allowed him to regain a sense of normalcy and peace.
Struggles After Cancer Treatment
Yuvraj’s career, once filled with spectacular performances including his key role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory, took a downturn following his cancer diagnosis and treatment. While he returned to international cricket, he could never fully regain his previous form. Between 2014 and 2017, his performance remained inconsistent, with only sporadic fifties in ODIs and T20s. Though he scored a career-best 150 against England in 2017, the form wasn’t sustained, ultimately leading to his retirement announcement during the 2019 World Cup.
Yuvraj’s candid reflections highlight not only his personal journey but also his commitment to mentoring the next generation of Indian cricketers, emphasizing discipline, dedication, and playing for the nation over individual accolades.
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