YUVI GOES OUT STRONG
■ 2011 World Cup hero calls time on international career, will play in overseas T20 leagues
Mumbai, June 10: Eight years after he prevented cancer from dictating his life choices, a tearful Yuvraj Singh on Monday brought the curtains down on a roller-coaster international career, the pinnacle of which was his exploits in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph.
Tall, willowy and ethereal, his unlimited talent and charisma made him a limited overs legend, but he will walk into the sunset feeling he has not done enough in Tests. The Punjabi southpaw, though, tried repeatedly to turn back time before calling it quits.
“After 25 years, in and around 22 yards, and after almost 17 years of international cricket on and off, I have decided to move on. Cricket has given me everything and is the reason why I stand here today,” the 37-year-old said addressing the media in the extravagant interiors of a star hotel that quite resembled his flamboyant batting.
“I was extremely lucky to play 400 games for India. I could have never imagined it when I first started playing cricket,” he added. The explosive batter said he now wants to “enjoy life” and pursue a freelance career in T20 leagues internationally, pending BCCI permission.
Yuvraj played 40 Tests, 304 ODIs and 58 T20Is for India. He put together 1900 runs in the longest format, and 8701 in the one-dayers, the format in which he enjoyed most success.
His one-day runs tally places him 22nd in the overall list, and seventh among Indians. A useful left-arm spinner, Yuvraj picked up 111 ODI wickets at an average of 36.55.
“It was a love-hate relationship with this game. I can’t explain what it really means to me. This game taught me how to fight, how to fall, to dust myself off and get up again and move forward,” he said.
“I have failed more times than I have succeeded, but I never gave up, and will never give up, till my last breath, and that’s what cricket has taught me. I gave my blood and sweat to the game once I got on to it, especially when it came to representing my country,” added the attacking left-handed
batsman.
What a fantastic career you have had Yuvi. You have come out as a true champ everytime the team needed you. The fight you put up through all the ups & downs on & off the field is just amazing. Best of luck for your 2nd innings.
— Sachin Tendulkar
Congratulations on a wonderful career playing for the country paji. You gave us so many memories and victories and I wish you the best for life and everything ahead. Absolute champion.
— Virat Kohli
One of the greatest match-winners in the history of the game, a fighter who built an extraordinary career through difficult challenges & came out a winner every time. We all are so proud of you #YuvrajSingh.
— Mohammad Kaif
Players will come and go, but players like @YUVSTRONG12 are very rare to find. Gone through many difficult times but thrashed disease, thrashed bowlers & won hearts. Inspired so many people.
— Virender Sehwag
Happy retirement, Pie Chucker. A quite remarkable career with plenty highs and some pretty brutal lows. You showed courage & pure brilliance throughout your time wearing blue!
— Kevin Pietersen