Yuvraj Singh Reveals Heartbreaking Reason Behind Retirement to Sania Mirza

Yuvraj Singh, the man who defined India's dominance in white-ball cricket for over a decade, has finally broken his silence on his retirement. The legendary all-rounder, who was the hero of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011. ODI World Cup triumphs, shared deep insights into his decision to quit the game in 2019. Speaking on Sania Mirza's podcast 'Serving It Up with Sania', Yuvraj revealed the emotional turmoil he faced during his final years in international cricket.

A Candid Conversation with Sania Mirza

In a heart-to-heart talk with his long-time friend Sania Mirza, Yuvraj explained that his retirement wasn't a sudden move, while it was the culmination of years of physical toll and mental fatigue. He confessed that there came a point where the spark he had for the game began to fade, while for a player known for his flamboyant style and fighting spirit, admitting that he was no longer enjoying the sport was a significant turning point.

When Passion Turned into a Burden

Yuvraj's words on the podcast highlighted the dark side of professional sports, while "I wasn't enjoying my game. I was thinking, if I'm not enjoying it, why am I playing, while " he told Sania. He felt a lack of support and respect within the cricketing setup during his twilight years. The constant need to prove his worth, despite his legendary status, took away the joy of competing. Cricket, which was once his identity, started feeling like a compulsion rather than a passion.

The Struggle Post-Cancer Recovery

Yuvraj's battle with cancer is one of the most inspiring stories in sports history. After winning the 2011 World Cup while being terminally ill, he made a heroic comeback, while however, he admitted to Sania that his body and mind were never quite the same. The struggle to maintain peak fitness and the inconsistency in team selection added to his frustration. He felt he had given everything to the nation and didn't want to cling to the sport without the same level of performance.

The Relief of Walking Away

Interestingly, Yuvraj described the day of his retirement as one of the most peaceful days of his life. He shared that as soon as he announced his decision, a massive weight was lifted off his shoulders. "The day I stopped playing, I became my old self again," he remarked. Today, Yuvraj is at peace with his decision, focusing on his foundation and enjoying life away from the high-pressure environment of international cricket.