Yuvraj Singh Breaks Silence on Retirement, Opens Up on Lack of Support and Mental Burnout

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has spoken candidly about the emotional and mental strain that led to his retirement from international cricket, revealing that a lack of support and respect played a significant role in his decision.

Yuvraj made the remarks during a conversation with Sania Mirza on her podcast Serving It Up With Sania, where he explained that stepping away from the game was not a sudden call but the result of prolonged physical fatigue and mental exhaustion.

"I was not enjoying my game. I wondered why I was playing cricket when I was not enjoying it. I was not feeling supported. I was not feeling respected," Yuvraj said.

The 2011 World Cup hero added that the constant need to prove himself began to overshadow the joy of competing.

Cricket, once a source of identity and passion, had started to feel like an obligation.

"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 said, reflecting on the internal questions that preceded his retirement.

Yuvraj also revealed that the moment he stopped playing international cricket, there was an immediate sense of relief. The weight he had been carrying lifted, allowing him to reconnect with himself away from the pressures of elite sport. "The day I stopped, I was myself again. We all go through that phase," he added.

Yuvraj Singh Mentoring Abhishek Sharma

During the podcast, Yuvraj also spoke about mentoring young India opener Abhishek Sharma, explaining that the role allows him to provide the mental clarity and support he felt he lacked early in his own career.

While Yuvraj acknowledged the presence of senior players like Sachin Tendulkar during his playing days, he said truly understanding the demands of international cricket took time. His own mentor, his father Yograj Singh, had limited exposure at the highest level.

For Abhishek, Yuvraj laid out a clear four-year roadmap focused solely on playing for India, deliberately steering attention away from short-term achievements in domestic cricket or the IPL.

Yuvraj also touched upon his association with Shubman Gill, noting that Gill was already an established international player when they began working together, describing him as "much smarter" and with a stronger work ethic.

For Yuvraj Singh, retirement marked the end of one chapter, but his reflections underline how respect, support, and mental well-being remain just as vital as performance in sustaining a career at the top.