Yuvraj Singh goes out strong

Mumbai: 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.

Yuvraj also says goodbye to IPL

Not just international cricket, Yuvraj Singh on Monday also bid adieu to the IPL, the cash-rich event in which he was costliest cricketer in 2015 but was picked up at base price this time.

Bucking the international trend of continuing IPL stints after international retirements, Yuvraj said he was clear about ending his sojourn with glamorous event last year itself.

The 37-year-old, who went for a record Rs 16 crore to the Delhi franchise back in 2015 turned up for the Mumbai Indians this year after being picked for a reduced base price of Rs one crore.

“Last year only I had thought that this year’s IPL will be my last,” an emotional Yuvraj said addressing the media here. “I am not available for IPL. I have retired from BCCI and international cricket. I am looking forward to play outside India (in T20 leagues).”

He captained Kings XI Punjab and the now defunct Pune Warriors. He also represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad.