Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has revealed in a recent podcast interview that his retirement from international cricket in 2019 was driven by a lack of respect, support, and enjoyment in the game. He admitted that being excluded from the ODI World Cup squad left him disillusioned, ultimately leading to his decision to step away from the sport.
Yuvraj said he was no longer enjoying cricket, describing it as a burden rather than a passion. He emphasized that he did not feel respected or supported by the team management and environment. Years of pressure and exclusion from the 2019 World Cup squad left him drained. After an illustrious career, he felt he had achieved enough and did not need to continue just to prove himself. He admitted that the lack of encouragement hurt him deeply, making retirement the only logical choice.
“I was not enjoying my game. I was not feeling supported. I was not feeling respected. Why should I linger on to something I’m not enjoying? To prove what? I can’t do more than this, mentally or physically.” said Yuvraj in a Podcast Interview with ex-tennis star Sania Mirza. “After being dropped from the World Cup squad, I realized cricket had become a burden. That’s when I knew it was time to move on.” mentioned Yuvraj.
Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his retirement, Yuvraj Singh remains one of India’s most celebrated cricketers. His six sixes in an over against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup and his Player of the Tournament performance in the 2011 World Cup are etched in cricketing history. Yuvraj played 304 ODIs, 40 Tests, 58 T20Is; key role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories.
