Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has opened up about the emotional and mental reasons that led to his retirement from international cricket, revealing that a lack of joy and respect played a decisive role in his decision.
Speaking on the podcast Serving It Up with Sania, hosted by tennis star Sania Mirza, Yuvraj reflected candidly on the final phase of his illustrious career and why stepping away in 2019 felt like the right choice.
Yuvraj explained that toward the end of his playing days, cricket had stopped bringing him happiness.
Despite having achieved almost everything the game could offer, he felt mentally drained and disconnected from the environment around him.
According to Yuvraj, the absence of support and recognition made it increasingly difficult to remain motivated, forcing him to question why he was continuing when the passion was no longer there.
The 44-year-old admitted that once he made the decision to retire, he experienced immediate mental peace.
Walking away from the pressures of international cricket helped him reconnect with himself, something he felt he had lost while constantly trying to prove his worth.
Yuvraj stressed that knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing how to succeed.
Yuvraj officially retired in June 2019 after being overlooked for India’s squad for the ODI World Cup.
With discussions surrounding the crucial number-four batting position, the veteran hoped his experience would count in his favour. However, when the call-up did not come, he announced his retirement at a press conference in Mumbai.
His final IPL season was with the Mumbai Indians, where limited opportunities further reinforced his belief that it was time to move on.
One of the defining chapters of Yuvraj’s career remains the 2011 ODI World Cup, where he delivered one of the greatest all-round performances in tournament history.
He scored 362 runs at an average of over 90 and claimed 15 wickets, earning the Player of the Tournament award.
Shortly after, Yuvraj was diagnosed with cancer, a battle that sidelined him for over a year before he made a courageous return to international cricket in 2012.
Although he returned to the field, Yuvraj acknowledged that his game never fully regained its earlier brilliance.
Injuries and physical limitations gradually took their toll, adding to the mental strain. Today, Yuvraj channels his experience into mentoring young cricketers like Abhishek Sharma, offering the guidance and clarity he once felt was missing.
India Cricket Schedule 2026 features a packed calendar with bilateral series, ICC tournaments, and key tours as Team India prepares for major global events.
For Yuvraj Singh, retirement was not an end, but a necessary step toward balance and peace, underscoring how mental well-being and respect are vital to sustaining a long career at the highest level.
