Yuvraj Singh Opens Up About Emotional Retirement Decision
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has candidly discussed the factors that led to his retirement from professional cricket in June 2019. The cricketing legend stepped away from both international cricket and the Indian Premier League after being excluded from India's squad for the ODI World Cup that year. This decision concluded a long and deeply emotional journey in the sport he had passionately played since his childhood days.
The Core Reasons Behind His Departure
Yuvraj Singh, now 44 years old, revealed that he no longer found happiness in playing the game. He emphasized that a significant lack of respect and support around him played a crucial role in his retirement choice. During a recent podcast conversation with former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, Yuvraj shared his heartfelt thoughts on this pivotal moment in his life.
"I was not enjoying my game," Yuvraj stated. "I had a feeling that why am I playing cricket when I'm not enjoying it? I was not feeling supported. I was not feeling respected. And I felt, why do I need to do this when I don't have this? Why am I lingering on to something that I'm not enjoying? Why do I need to play? To prove what? I can't do more than this, mentally or physically, and it was hurting me. And the day I stopped, I was myself again."
Reflecting on Early Doubts and Personal Growth
Yuvraj also looked back at an earlier phase of his life when questions were raised about his talent and potential. He recalled a time when he was just 13 or 14 years old, still figuring out the sport, and how his father took certain comments personally.
"Now, when I look back at it, I just think he didn't have the time to have a proper look at me," Yuvraj explained. "He was just like being nice to my dad. Then obviously, he was playing for India at that time, so he probably would have said that. I was 13-14 at that time, just figuring out a sport. I don't take it personally, but my father took it personally."
This reflection highlights the emotional complexities and personal challenges that athletes often face throughout their careers, beyond just the physical demands of the sport.
The Impact of Retirement on His Well-being
Yuvraj's retirement marked a significant turning point in his life, allowing him to rediscover his true self. His openness about the mental and physical toll of continuing in a sport without joy or respect sheds light on the importance of athlete well-being and support systems in professional sports.
The cricketer's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the human side of sports, where passion, respect, and personal fulfillment are as critical as performance and achievements.
