'Cricket felt like a burden': Yuvraj Singh reflects on toughest chapter of his career

Few cricketers have made fans fall in love with the game the way Yuvraj Singh did. Elegance, power and fearless flair defined the stylish left-hander, who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Indian cricket. A two-time World Cup winner, Yuvraj was central to India’s triumphs in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup, delivering moments that remain etched in cricketing folklore.

Yuvraj’s six sixes in an over and a blistering 12-ball fifty against England lit up the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Four years later, he stood taller than ever on the biggest stage. In the 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj produced a remarkable all-round performance, scoring 362 runs and taking 15 wickets to earn the Player of the Tournament award and guide India to glory.

However, the journey after the 2011 World Cup proved far more challenging. A year later, Yuvraj found himself in and out of the national side, battling form, fitness and a life-threatening cancer diagnosis that deeply impacted his game. Though he continued playing until 2017 and retired in 2019, the spark gradually dimmed.

Speaking on Sania Mirza’s YouTube show ‘Serving It Up with Sania’, Yuvraj made a candid revelation about that phase. He admitted that cricket began to feel like a burden, with enjoyment replaced by emotional and mental strain.

Also Read: From six sixes to 600 wickets: How Yuvraj Singh’s night of carnage forged Stuart Broad

Choosing Peace Over Pressure

Yuvraj said he felt unsupported and questioned his purpose in continuing when the game no longer brought happiness. Realising he had given everything to cricket, both mentally and physically, he chose to walk away. That decision, he revealed, helped him rediscover himself.

A Champion Beyond Numbers

Yuvraj Singh’s honesty offers a powerful reminder that even legends face unseen battles. His legacy, defined by courage, brilliance, and resilience, goes far beyond runs, wickets, and trophies.