From his phenomenal innings at the 2002 NatWest Final against England to his six sixes off a young Stuart Broad at Durban, from being the ‘Man of the Tournament’ in India’s 2011 ICC World Cup triumph to his heroics in Australia down under, Yuvraj Singh has been an incredible ambassador for the game of cricket. However, today, on 10th June 2019, the warrior bid goodbye to all forms of cricket putting an end to a marvelous career.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Yuvraj mentioned that the sport has given him everything he wanted. But finally, after a 17-year-long rollercoaster ride, it’s finally time to move on.
“I have been playing international cricket on and off for 17 years. Now, it is time to say goodbye, to move on and walk away. It has been a roller coaster ride and a great story but it has to come to an end. This is the best time to move on.”
“Only if I could articulate what Cricket has done for me, to me! But let me tell you this, Cricket has given me everything I have and it is the reason why I sit here today. Winning the 2011 World Cup, being man of the series, four MoM awards was all like a dream, which was followed with a harsh reality of getting diagnosed of Cancer.”
The southpaw who faced the deadliest bowlers in the world head on and instilled fear in their hearts, expressed his happiness to have donned the Indian shirt over 400 times. A journey that started in the early 2000s and ended in 2017 saw Yuvi represent the country in 40 Tests, 304 ODIs and 58 T20 Internationals.
WATCH | "Cricket has given me everything I have. Thank you for being a part of this journey”: Yuvraj Singh announces his retirement from international cricket
Read more: https://t.co/nILC1l3Jtt pic.twitter.com/nFYmGV2inn
— NDTV (@ndtv) June 10, 2019
“I am extremely lucky to play 400+ games for India, I for one, would have not imagined doing this when I started my career as a Cricketer. Through this journey, some matches that remain etched in my memory were the 2002 NatWest final, my first test hundred in Lahore in 2004, the 2007 ODI series in England, six sixes at the 2007 T20 World Cup, that match when we realised to have not gone beyond at 2007 50-over World Cup and then the most memorable was 2011 World Cup finals.”
The man not only defeated his opponents on the field but conquered cancer in the most epic fashion. His comeback from the hospital bed to the 22 yards was nothing but a portrayal of the true fighter the man is. His future plans include helping people with cancer through his charity, YouWeCan.
“My next focus is enabling and helping people with Cancer through my charity YouWeCan. I really want to make a difference to the society by setting example through my inspiring story. I would like to thank my family, my mother, especially, who is present here today; my loving mother who has been the pillar of strength and gave me birth twice, my loving wife who stood by me in my tough times and my close friends who get sick of me but are always there for me, everybody who I love is here today except my dad. So I think it’s a perfect day to move on thank you all the media for capturing this lovely journey. Thank you everyone and see you on the other side.”
Needless to say, the world came together on Twitter to give an emotional farewell to one of the greatest limited overs batsmen in the history of the sport.
"After 25 years in cricket I've decided to move on. Cricket has given me everything I have. Thank you for being a part of this journey” : #YuvrajSingh pic.twitter.com/Ez8y49KlH2
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 10, 2019
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 with his fight & will-power. Wish you the best in life,Yuvi #YuvrajSingh. Best wishes always pic.twitter.com/sUNAoTyNa8
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 10, 2019
Yuvi can. Yuvi did. Always.
Thank you, champion. International Cricket will miss a match winner like you 💙💙💙#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #SteppingOut #YuvrajSingh @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/xetSR10fE7
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 10, 2019
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 , u can be very proud of what u have you done for our country @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/w4wUe31De0
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 10, 2019
What an innings Yuvi ❤️ India will forever remember this 😍 #YuvrajSingh pic.twitter.com/aax8Zm6Qmy
— Manak Gupta (@manakgupta) June 10, 2019
Thank you for the service you have done to Indian cricket. A true champion who carried himself with decorum at all times. You made memories on the field and off which we as Indian fans shall always cherish. It’s Time.. #Yuvrajsingh #YuvrajSinghRetires #jerseyno12 pic.twitter.com/3Iu11LjegP
— ANGAD BEDI (@Imangadbedi) June 10, 2019
Yuvi is all set to announce his retirement .
Thank you Legend for everything .🙏❤️❤️#SixerKing
#YuvrajSinghpic.twitter.com/YVUaZOToXl— Yogita (@momo_classygirl) June 10, 2019
End of an era! Yuvi pa, ur ability with the bat, the glorious 6s, the impeccable catches & the good times we've had, will be missed beyond years. The class & grit u brought to the field will be an inspiration forever. Thank u, @YUVSTRONG12 Have an equally remarkable 2nd innings! pic.twitter.com/ZWNeC9WkZL
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 10, 2019
U vill be very badly miss Yuvi pa .. thanks a lot wat ever u gave for cricket !! players may come n go but player like u never become .. end of n era @YUVSTRONG12 ur 6 sixes never 2 b forgotten!! 🙏🙏👑👑
— Aniket Bhosale (@Aniketbhosale65) June 10, 2019
Dear Yuvraj Singh,
Thank you for all the memories and 🏏 cricket champion..😊 have a happy retirement.
All the best for all your future endeavor.🌹🌹 And successful life .
You are 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 world cup hero..
We will miss you Yuvi.
Thanks and God bless you… pic.twitter.com/AGxDBdnHlO— Akash Kumar Singh (@AkashKu32034604) June 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/Vikrant43106355/status/1138019035793117184
"It's time to say goodbye and walk away. It was a beautiful story, but it has come to an end."
"My next focus in life is to help cancer patients and under privileged kids"
~ Yuvi ❤️
All the best for your future
Thank you for all the memories
We will miss you #Yuvrajsingh ❤️😥 pic.twitter.com/Pus18PF66j— YASH(BOSS)❤️ (@KalyanKirataka) June 10, 2019
A fighter never get retired, You're a warrior legend of cricket @YUVSTRONG12, Thank you so much for giving us so many cricket memories. All the very best yuvi for the brightest future. Real champion.👏👏👏👏#cricket #indiancricket pic.twitter.com/FliMQYeTct
— The Food GlanZer (@JavedMohammeds) June 10, 2019
This is my worst day in my life after hearing the news yuvi retirement from international cricket
— Jacksparrow Sunil (@JacksparrowSun1) June 10, 2019
OMG Yuvi😭😭
My fav Indian cricketer
Thank you so much for everything
Please be happy and enjoy your life at the fullest #YuvrajSingh#ThankYouYuvi pic.twitter.com/yjp0cvFL8A— Maysura (@lisamaysura5) June 10, 2019
Those are not just pictures they were the proof that we had a amazing moments in our childhood ♥️🔥
Thanks Yuvi for making it #YuvrajSingh pic.twitter.com/9ydHKa5KF0— 🐼 (@ranvir__rana) June 10, 2019
Thank you Yuvi..🇮🇳
The man who starred in India's 2007 World T20 and 2011 World Cup victories, @YUVSTRONG12 announces his retirement from International cricket. #BCCIWhat's your favourite #YuvrajSingh moment in international cricket? pic.twitter.com/QhVq8OhfIQ
— Neeraj Vashishth (@Neerajbjp90) June 10, 2019
@YUVSTRONG12 thank-you sir 🙏🙏😍😍 you are the only person to prove it cricket is the gentleman game 😍😍 no ego only concentrate on team success✌️✌️
No one can replace #Yuvrajsingh #yuvi place😘 such a wonderful person🙏🙏
INSPIRATION pic.twitter.com/oZ7jDOjDtk— 😎Jack💥ⱽᶦʲᵃʸ𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓪𝓹𝓪𝓽𝓱𝔂𝓥𝓲𝓳𝓪𝔂46👑 (@mersalarasan97) June 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/chowakidarkumar/status/1138018434090848256
Thank You, Yuvi. While it will take years for our country to find a suitable replacement for a champion like you, your contributions to the game of cricket will forever be unparalleled.