Yuvraj Singh Opens Up About Retirement Decision on Sania Mirza's Podcast
Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh recently appeared on the podcast Serving it Up with Sania, hosted by tennis star Sania Mirza. During the candid conversation, Singh revealed the profound reasons behind his decision to retire from international cricket, emphasizing that it was not a sudden move but stemmed from deep-seated mental and physical exhaustion.
The Burden of Cricket: Loss of Joy and Support
Yuvraj Singh explained that over time, cricket transformed from a beloved passion into a heavy burden. He described how the constant pressure to prove himself took a severe toll on his well-being, leading to a loss of enjoyment in the game. "I was not enjoying my game. I felt, I was playing cricket when I was not enjoying it. I was not feeling supported. I was not feeling respected," Singh stated during the podcast.
This lack of support and respect towards the end of his career made him question his continuation in the sport. "I've given my best. Why am I lingering on to something that I'm not enjoying? Why do I need to play to prove myself?" he wondered aloud, reflecting on the moments before announcing his retirement.
Finding Peace After Retirement
Singh shared that immediately after retiring, he experienced a sense of relief and happiness returning to his life. Today, he finds solace in playing golf, where he can engage in competition without the intense pressures of professional cricket. This relaxed and friendly setting allows him to rediscover the joy of sport in a more peaceful environment. "The day I stopped (playing international cricket), I was myself again. We all go through that phase," he added, highlighting the universal nature of such transitions.
Mentoring Abhishek Sharma: A Focus on Long-Term Development
During the podcast, Yuvraj Singh also discussed his role in mentoring young cricketer Abhishek Sharma. He views this opportunity as a chance to provide the mental support that he felt was lacking early in his own career. Singh explained that while he had supportive seniors like Sachin Tendulkar, it took him years to fully grasp the intricacies of international cricket.
He noted that his own mentor, his father Yograj Singh, had limited international experience, playing only 6 ODIs and 1 Test match for India. Yograj's sole Test wicket was John Wright, who later coached the Indian team.
A Four-Year Plan for Success
For Abhishek Sharma, Singh implemented a clear long-term strategy focused solely on representing India, rather than short-term achievements in tournaments like the IPL or Ranji Trophy. "Abhishek is someone we had to take him there. I think we had like a 4-year plan… he did what I told him. Exactly in 4 years and 3 months, he played for India," Singh revealed, showcasing the effectiveness of this structured approach.
He also mentioned Shubman Gill, another protege he mentors, praising him as "much smarter, more hardworking" with "greater work-ethics." Gill has already established himself in the Indian team, reflecting the success of Singh's guidance.
Record-Breaking Discussions and Friendly Banter
Sania Mirza introduced the topic of mentoring by noting, "He broke your record." Yuvraj Singh quickly dismissed this with a wry smile, clarifying that Abhishek Sharma has only broken one specific record: the fastest fifty by an Indian against Pakistan in T20Is, which was previously held by Singh himself.
Singh humorously argued that comparisons are unfair due to their different batting positions. "I was a middle-order batsman. He is an opener. All the fielders are inside the circle for him. For me, they are outside," he quipped, highlighting the contextual challenges of their roles.
This light-hearted banter extends to social media, where Singh playfully trolled Sharma after the latter scored a 14-ball fifty against New Zealand, narrowly missing Singh's record for the fastest T20 fifty by an Indian. Singh joked, "Still can't get a 50 off 12 balls, can you?" demonstrating their mentor-mentee camaraderie.
Yuvraj Singh's insights on the podcast offer a rare glimpse into the emotional and psychological aspects of a cricketer's career, while also highlighting his commitment to nurturing the next generation of Indian talent.
